Text 3A1-II
There is ample evidence that reading not only strengthens
second language vocabulary, but also expands it as readers meet
words, or the same word, in different contexts. After all, that is
the way lexical vocabulary is acquired in real life, through
hearing it in our first languages.
Apart from learning vocabulary, learners also learn new
structures, which can form a strong scaffolding both for learning
other new structures and introducing grammatical items to a
class.
In listening to each other read, discuss points in groups,
debate, or answer and their rationale, second language learners
will sharpen both listening and speaking skills.
There is no magic bullet, no single explanation for what
teachers can do to ensure that their students learn to read a
second or foreign language. Practice and plenty of it may be the
only way out.
J. Kembo. Using short texts to teach English as second language. Rongo University, Kenya. Universal Journal of Educational Research 4(12): 2735-2743, 2016 (adapted).
