Are you trying to improve your English reading comprehension to supplement your software-based language learning? While you can read anything you want and possibly gain some benefits, these tips should help you maximize the positive things you can draw from them.
1. Read at a suitable level. If you’re barely two weeks into your ESL studies, opening up a book written by academics will likely leave you with a headache. As much as possible, try to read at a level that is right for you. If a particular material is too difficult for you to comprehend, put it down and find something else. It’s perfectly valid.
2. New words are awesome. When you encounter new words, don’t let them intimidate you. Just guess their meaning and continue reading. I’d suggest marking them, though, as you go. That way, you can go back after you’ve finished a piece to research the new vocabulary individually.
3. Read regularly. Like all skills, reading requires consistent practice. Save at least 10 or 20 minutes each day for reading, that way you’re able to maintain a regular, active pace.
4. Read with learning the language in mind. Reading for leisure is very different when reading for learning. With the latter, you need to come prepared – have your markers at hand, a dictionary (in case you really can’t understand the words) and other study materials while you read.
5. Choose interesting materials. There are thousands, maybe millions, of reading materials available. Why would you even pick up something you can hardly care about.