5 benefits of reading for English learners

Welcome back, learners!

Learning English (or any language for that matter) is an incredible journey, one that opens your mind to new worlds, new perspectives, and new possibilities!

And one of the most effective yet often underrated ways to speed up this journey is through reading!

Yes, you heard me right!

Reading, in its many forms, be it books, magazines, newspapers or online articles, can work wonders in your English learning process. It may not provide the instant gratification that an English app or a quick YouTube tutorial does, but its benefits are profound and lasting.

Now, you might wonder, why is reading such a game-changer in English language learning?

Well, let’s find out together, shall we?

1. Vocabulary expansion

Who says rote memorization is the only way to acquire new vocabulary? Let’s bust that myth right here, right now!

Let me let you in on a secret: even native speakers continually expand their vocabulary by reading!

When you read, you’re exposed to a wealth of words in context. You’ll start noticing the usage, the nuances, and before you know it, those once alien words are part of your everyday language repertoire!

And who could forget about idiomatic expressions? These little nuggets of language add so much color and flavor to your English. Regular reading can naturally expose you to a wide variety of idioms, proverbs, and other expressions that are part of everyday English, thereby making your language more dynamic!

Lastly, if your English conversations or essays seem to be sounding a bit monotonous lately, reading can help jazz things up. It presents you with an array of synonyms, different ways of expressing the same idea, which can add depth and variety to your English.

2. Sneaky grammar lesson

Now, let’s move on to another compelling reason why reading should be part of your English learning routine – Grammar!

I know, I know, just hearing the word “grammar” might give some of you the chills, and understandably so. Those verb tenses, conditional sentences, and countless rules can sometimes seem like a nightmare, can’t they?

But here’s the fun part! With reading, grammar learning doesn’t have to be all about poring over dense textbooks and wrestling with complex rules. Reading offers a more immersive, intuitive, and, dare I say, enjoyable way to master English grammar.

Every book, article, or blog post you read is a treasure trove of correctly structured sentences, each a mini-lesson in grammar. You see how different tenses are used, how sentences are formed, and how punctuation is used to give sentences their rhythm. This implicit learning approach can significantly enhance your understanding of English grammar and its application!

Moreover, as you expose yourself to various forms of writing, you’ll start noticing patterns and rules of English grammar naturally falling into place. You’ll observe how authors structure their sentences, which prepositions they use after certain words, or how they navigate the labyrinth of English verb tenses.

But don’t forget, while reading is a great way to passively learn grammar, do take the time to actively study and review the rules from time to time. This will reinforce what you’re learning and clarify any doubts you may have.

3. Broaden your worldview

Think about it. When you dive into a book, you aren’t just reading – you’re traveling!

You’re transported to places you may have never been, introduced to cultures you may not have experienced, and brought face-to-face with perspectives that may challenge your own!

But the beauty of reading is that it doesn’t just show you how vast and diverse the world is, it also highlights the shared human experience – our collective joys, sorrows, dreams, and fears. It bridges gaps, fosters understanding, and helps us realize that despite our differences, we’re all beautifully human!

4. Reading paves the way for better writing

Ever wondered how some people can paint such vivid pictures, evoke such powerful emotions, or make such compelling arguments with their words?

The secret, my friends, is often a lifetime of reading!

Reading a variety of authors and genres exposes you to an array of writing styles, tones, and structures. You unconsciously pick up on the techniques authors use to create suspense, convey humor, or deliver impactful messages.

You become acquainted with a wealth of expressions, idioms, and rhetorical devices. You start understanding how to structure your sentences and paragraphs for optimal impact. And importantly, you learn how to avoid common writing pitfalls and clichés.

But perhaps the most wonderful aspect of reading is how it ignites your imagination and creativity. It encourages you to think beyond the ordinary, dream bigger, and find your unique voice!

5. Reading is a lifelong learning tool

Books are not just a source of knowledge or entertainment. They are a treasure trove of wisdom, a perpetual fountain of learning, a friend that accompanies us on our lifelong journey of discovery. No matter how old you get, no matter where you are in life, there’s always a book waiting to teach you something new, to challenge your thinking, to inspire change or growth.

As we navigate the different phases of our lives, books cater to our evolving interests and needs. As children, they feed our imagination and instill values. As teenagers, they introduce us to complex emotions, societal issues, and help us navigate the turbulent waters of adolescence. As adults, they expand our understanding of the world, offer fresh perspectives, and continue to inspire learning and growth.

And this journey of learning doesn’t stop at the contents of the book. It extends to language learning too. The more you read, the more nuanced your understanding of English becomes. Even as a fluent English speaker, there will always be new words to learn, new idioms to understand, new styles to appreciate. The learning never ends!

Summary

Remember, every page you turn, every chapter you finish, and every book you add to your completed list is a step forward in your English learning journey. And the best part? There’s no end to this journey. There will always be another captivating story to delve into, another inspiring character to meet, another invaluable lesson to learn, and of course, another English word to master!

So, stay curious and keep reading!

Next steps

Do you want to speak English with confidence?

Most people lack confidence when they speak English. They are afraid to make mistakes and are embarrassed to speak in front of others.

This is because they have been taught English the wrong way!

Most English courses waste your time and money on useless exercises that don’t bring results. Even worse, they teach you bad habits that are very difficult to unlearn.

As a result, you become confused and lack confidence. This is wrong!

At IELC, we teach English the right way

Our goal is to get you speaking in English with fluency and confidence as fast as possible. We want to give you the skills you need to fulfil your potential!

Our experienced teachers will guide you along every step of the learning process to ensure that you are not wasting your time, money, and energy on useless language exercises & wrong methods.