Graded reading

Graded reading. 

Step by step to better understanding

“Begin at the beginning," the King said, very gravely, 

"and go on till you come to the end: then stop.”

Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland

Isn't it going to be too hard for me to read? Well, it might be... So, why don't you start with a simpler book and go on and on and on until you can read your favourite authors in a foreign language?

''Graded readers'' could be a good start, as they are written with specific levels of grammar and vocabulary in mind. What is particularly interesting is that vocabulary is limited by frequency headwords counts. For instance, Level 1 in any series will probably be limited to 500 headwords, Level 2 to 600 headwords, Level 3 to 700 headwords, etc. 

Reading: HOW TO...

• Read without looking up new words. Try to guess their meaning from context.
• When you finish a chapter, briefly summarize what it was about.
• If you come across the same word many times (this will often happen, believe me!), think how you can use this word. Try making your own phrases and sentences with the new vocabulary, see how it works.

A lot of publishing houses have got their graded readers' series. Whether you choose Cambridge or Macmillan, Penguin or National Geographic, be sure to grab the book you like and don't hesitate to start. 

Enjoy and learn more!