Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is a useful activity when starting to learn a new language?
What is a useful activity when starting to learn a new language?
- Reading only
- Listening to the language being spoken (correct)
- Writing essays in the new language
- Speaking with a fluent speaker
Watching a movie with subtitles is a form of form-focused listening.
Watching a movie with subtitles is a form of form-focused listening.
True (A)
What do you need to prepare before watching a movie in a new language for better comprehension?
What do you need to prepare before watching a movie in a new language for better comprehension?
Read the script and study the vocabulary.
To follow most of the words in a movie, you need a vocabulary of at least _____ words.
To follow most of the words in a movie, you need a vocabulary of at least _____ words.
What is a recommended way to practice listening skills as language ability develops?
What is a recommended way to practice listening skills as language ability develops?
Learners tend to score higher in vocabulary learning when reading while listening.
Learners tend to score higher in vocabulary learning when reading while listening.
How many different word families are typically found in most movies?
How many different word families are typically found in most movies?
Match the following terms with their corresponding descriptions:
Match the following terms with their corresponding descriptions:
What is the main purpose of graded readers?
What is the main purpose of graded readers?
Graded readers are only available for the English language.
Graded readers are only available for the English language.
What is the maximum number of words a learner can encounter in a graded reader's series?
What is the maximum number of words a learner can encounter in a graded reader's series?
The Oxford Bookworms series is divided into levels, with level 1 containing ___ new words.
The Oxford Bookworms series is divided into levels, with level 1 containing ___ new words.
Match the following publishers with their corresponding graded reader series:
Match the following publishers with their corresponding graded reader series:
Where can mid-frequency readers be found?
Where can mid-frequency readers be found?
Every word in graded readers is repeated multiple times for reinforcement.
Every word in graded readers is repeated multiple times for reinforcement.
What is one benefit of reading graded readers for language learners?
What is one benefit of reading graded readers for language learners?
Why is it beneficial to use books that native speakers use when learning a language?
Why is it beneficial to use books that native speakers use when learning a language?
Reading encyclopedias written for young children is not recommended for language learners.
Reading encyclopedias written for young children is not recommended for language learners.
What feature of Kindle allows users to look up the meaning of a word?
What feature of Kindle allows users to look up the meaning of a word?
Extensive reading ideally involves material containing no more than ___ unfamiliar words in every 100 running words.
Extensive reading ideally involves material containing no more than ___ unfamiliar words in every 100 running words.
Match the following reading strategies with their benefits:
Match the following reading strategies with their benefits:
What is the primary purpose of extensive reading in language learning?
What is the primary purpose of extensive reading in language learning?
The more proficient a language learner is, the less reading they need to do.
The more proficient a language learner is, the less reading they need to do.
What is the recommended amount of weekly reading time for extensive reading?
What is the recommended amount of weekly reading time for extensive reading?
What is one method suggested to accompany reading?
What is one method suggested to accompany reading?
Extensive reading requires students to take comprehension tests after reading.
Extensive reading requires students to take comprehension tests after reading.
What is narrow reading?
What is narrow reading?
Reading across a range of different topics greatly increases the number of different words that you meet, especially if your vocabulary is over _____ words.
Reading across a range of different topics greatly increases the number of different words that you meet, especially if your vocabulary is over _____ words.
What proportion of course time should be spent on extensive reading?
What proportion of course time should be spent on extensive reading?
List one benefit of extensive reading.
List one benefit of extensive reading.
Match the following reading strategies to their benefits:
Match the following reading strategies to their benefits:
Two thirds of the reading time should be spent on material containing a few _____ words.
Two thirds of the reading time should be spent on material containing a few _____ words.
Why is it generally not a good idea to read a book that contains a large number of unknown words?
Why is it generally not a good idea to read a book that contains a large number of unknown words?
Re-reading a book is generally less time-consuming than reading a different book of the same length.
Re-reading a book is generally less time-consuming than reading a different book of the same length.
List one condition that makes it worthwhile to struggle through a challenging book.
List one condition that makes it worthwhile to struggle through a challenging book.
When you read a long text, it is often better to __________ the same book instead of reading a different one.
When you read a long text, it is often better to __________ the same book instead of reading a different one.
Match the following reasons for re-reading a book with their explanations:
Match the following reasons for re-reading a book with their explanations:
Which of the following makes a book easier to read?
Which of the following makes a book easier to read?
It is beneficial to read a book on a topic that you know little about.
It is beneficial to read a book on a topic that you know little about.
What percentage of different words in any text typically occur only once?
What percentage of different words in any text typically occur only once?
A useful thing to do in the very early stages of learning another language is to listen to the way in which the language is __________.
A useful thing to do in the very early stages of learning another language is to listen to the way in which the language is __________.
To prepare for watching a movie in a new language, reading the __________ is recommended.
To prepare for watching a movie in a new language, reading the __________ is recommended.
Learners tend to prefer listening while __________ because it enhances their comprehension.
Learners tend to prefer listening while __________ because it enhances their comprehension.
To follow most of the words in a movie, you need to have a vocabulary of at least __________ words.
To follow most of the words in a movie, you need to have a vocabulary of at least __________ words.
Movies typically contain around __________ different word families.
Movies typically contain around __________ different word families.
Graded readers come with an accompanying __________ that provides the spoken version of the text.
Graded readers come with an accompanying __________ that provides the spoken version of the text.
Preparing for a movie by studying vocabulary is a __________ task due to the limited number of different words.
Preparing for a movie by studying vocabulary is a __________ task due to the limited number of different words.
Extensive reading ideally involves material containing no more than __________ unfamiliar words in every 100 running words.
Extensive reading ideally involves material containing no more than __________ unfamiliar words in every 100 running words.
Graded readers are written for foreign language learners to match their level of _____ in the language.
Graded readers are written for foreign language learners to match their level of _____ in the language.
In the Oxford Bookworms series, level 1 contains _____ new words.
In the Oxford Bookworms series, level 1 contains _____ new words.
Each graded reader book is written within a controlled _____ to help learners.
Each graded reader book is written within a controlled _____ to help learners.
For learners who know more than 3,000 words, they should read the _____ readers.
For learners who know more than 3,000 words, they should read the _____ readers.
The maximum number of words a learner can encounter in a graded reader's series is around _____ words.
The maximum number of words a learner can encounter in a graded reader's series is around _____ words.
The Oxford University Press offers a series called the Oxford _____ for language learners.
The Oxford University Press offers a series called the Oxford _____ for language learners.
Almost every major language teaching publisher has their own series of _____ readers.
Almost every major language teaching publisher has their own series of _____ readers.
The total number of words in level 5 of the Oxford Bookworms series is _____ words.
The total number of words in level 5 of the Oxford Bookworms series is _____ words.
Elementary and intermediate learners should read books written within a controlled ______.
Elementary and intermediate learners should read books written within a controlled ______.
The aim should be to read a book a week, spending at least an hour or two per week on ______.
The aim should be to read a book a week, spending at least an hour or two per week on ______.
Two thirds of the reading time should be spent on material containing a few unknown ______ .
Two thirds of the reading time should be spent on material containing a few unknown ______ .
Staying within a single topic or subject area is sometimes called ______ reading.
Staying within a single topic or subject area is sometimes called ______ reading.
Having a lot of different topics results in a very diverse ______.
Having a lot of different topics results in a very diverse ______.
Research has shown that through reading we learn vocabulary, word groups, and ______ features.
Research has shown that through reading we learn vocabulary, word groups, and ______ features.
The more proficient a language learner is, the less extensive ______ they need to do.
The more proficient a language learner is, the less extensive ______ they need to do.
Extensive reading requires students to read material that contains no more than ______ unfamiliar words in every 100 running words.
Extensive reading requires students to read material that contains no more than ______ unfamiliar words in every 100 running words.
Reading a book that contains a large number of unknown ______ may not be beneficial.
Reading a book that contains a large number of unknown ______ may not be beneficial.
It is worthwhile to struggle through a book if it is a set ______ for your course.
It is worthwhile to struggle through a book if it is a set ______ for your course.
Re-reading a book can help guarantee repetition of ______.
Re-reading a book can help guarantee repetition of ______.
Narrow reading of a variety of short texts on the same ______ can be a useful alternative to long texts.
Narrow reading of a variety of short texts on the same ______ can be a useful alternative to long texts.
For a book to be beneficial, it is recommended that the subject matter be very ______ to you.
For a book to be beneficial, it is recommended that the subject matter be very ______ to you.
Using an electronic version of the text allows for easy dictionary ______.
Using an electronic version of the text allows for easy dictionary ______.
Rereading a book may help develop reading ______.
Rereading a book may help develop reading ______.
Half of the different words in any text usually occur only ______.
Half of the different words in any text usually occur only ______.
Learning a language other than English can benefit from books that native speakers use at _____
Learning a language other than English can benefit from books that native speakers use at _____
Using a program like Kindle allows you to look up the meaning of a word just by _____ it.
Using a program like Kindle allows you to look up the meaning of a word just by _____ it.
Extensive reading ideally involves material that contains no more than two unfamiliar _____ in every 100 running words.
Extensive reading ideally involves material that contains no more than two unfamiliar _____ in every 100 running words.
For effective learning, reading should provide the important condition of _____ to encounter new vocabulary repeatedly.
For effective learning, reading should provide the important condition of _____ to encounter new vocabulary repeatedly.
When attempting extensive reading, it's crucial to ensure that the material is at the _____ level for the reader.
When attempting extensive reading, it's crucial to ensure that the material is at the _____ level for the reader.
To manage what you read on Kindle, you must first find your special Kindle _____ address.
To manage what you read on Kindle, you must first find your special Kindle _____ address.
Before engaging in extensive reading, it's recommended to read an _____ especially written for young children.
Before engaging in extensive reading, it's recommended to read an _____ especially written for young children.
Ideally, extensive reading should be _____ to keep learners engaged and interested.
Ideally, extensive reading should be _____ to keep learners engaged and interested.
A useful thing to do in the very early stages of learning another language is to listen to the way in which the language is __________.
A useful thing to do in the very early stages of learning another language is to listen to the way in which the language is __________.
Movies typically contain around __________ different word families.
Movies typically contain around __________ different word families.
Graded readers come with an accompanying __________ that provides the spoken version of the text.
Graded readers come with an accompanying __________ that provides the spoken version of the text.
To follow most of the words in a movie, you need to have a vocabulary of at least __________ words.
To follow most of the words in a movie, you need to have a vocabulary of at least __________ words.
Preparing for a movie by studying vocabulary is a __________ task due to the limited number of different words.
Preparing for a movie by studying vocabulary is a __________ task due to the limited number of different words.
An effective way to practice listening skills is to do __________ while listening to a recording.
An effective way to practice listening skills is to do __________ while listening to a recording.
Learners prefer listening while reading over listening by itself and tend to gain higher scores in __________ related scores.
Learners prefer listening while reading over listening by itself and tend to gain higher scores in __________ related scores.
To prepare for a movie in a new language, reading the __________ is recommended.
To prepare for a movie in a new language, reading the __________ is recommended.
Graded readers are specially written for foreign language learners to match their level of _____ in the language.
Graded readers are specially written for foreign language learners to match their level of _____ in the language.
In the Oxford Bookworms series, level 1 contains _____ new words.
In the Oxford Bookworms series, level 1 contains _____ new words.
Every word met in a graded reader is probably worth _____, even if it is not repeated in the book.
Every word met in a graded reader is probably worth _____, even if it is not repeated in the book.
Graded readers are written at various levels within a controlled _____ to aid language learners.
Graded readers are written at various levels within a controlled _____ to aid language learners.
The maximum number of words a learner can encounter in a graded reader's series is around _____ words.
The maximum number of words a learner can encounter in a graded reader's series is around _____ words.
Mid-frequency readers are written at the 4,000, 6,000, and _____ word levels.
Mid-frequency readers are written at the 4,000, 6,000, and _____ word levels.
Almost every major language teaching publisher has their own series of _____ readers.
Almost every major language teaching publisher has their own series of _____ readers.
If a learner knows only 400 words, they can read several books at level _____ of the Oxford Bookworms series.
If a learner knows only 400 words, they can read several books at level _____ of the Oxford Bookworms series.
The aim should be to read a book a week, spending at least one or two hours per week _____ reading.
The aim should be to read a book a week, spending at least one or two hours per week _____ reading.
A well-balanced language course should spend just under a quarter of the course time on _____.
A well-balanced language course should spend just under a quarter of the course time on _____.
The strongest effect of narrow reading is to reduce the total number of different _____ that you meet.
The strongest effect of narrow reading is to reduce the total number of different _____ that you meet.
Research has shown that reading helps us learn vocabulary, word groups, and _____ features.
Research has shown that reading helps us learn vocabulary, word groups, and _____ features.
If you have a large vocabulary, it may be more useful to read _____ to encounter more unknown words.
If you have a large vocabulary, it may be more useful to read _____ to encounter more unknown words.
Two thirds of the time spent on extensive reading should be focused on material containing a few unknown _____.
Two thirds of the time spent on extensive reading should be focused on material containing a few unknown _____.
Reading across a variety of topics greatly increases the number of different _____ encountered.
Reading across a variety of topics greatly increases the number of different _____ encountered.
It is useful to get hold of the books that native speakers use at school when they begin to learn to _____
It is useful to get hold of the books that native speakers use at school when they begin to learn to _____
The research on extensive reading indicates that it leads to improvement in reading, vocabulary growth, and a wide range of language _____ and knowledge.
The research on extensive reading indicates that it leads to improvement in reading, vocabulary growth, and a wide range of language _____ and knowledge.
Reading helps language learning by providing the important learning condition of _____
Reading helps language learning by providing the important learning condition of _____
Extensive reading involves doing large quantities of reading using material which is at the right _____ for you.
Extensive reading involves doing large quantities of reading using material which is at the right _____ for you.
Ideally, extensive reading material should contain no more than two _____ words in every 100 running words.
Ideally, extensive reading material should contain no more than two _____ words in every 100 running words.
To read electronic texts effectively, it is useful to use a program that has easy dictionary _____
To read electronic texts effectively, it is useful to use a program that has easy dictionary _____
Reading an encyclopaedia especially written for young _____ can be a good source of material for language learners.
Reading an encyclopaedia especially written for young _____ can be a good source of material for language learners.
Through reading, learners meet words, word groups and grammatical constructions several times and so have a good chance of _____ them.
Through reading, learners meet words, word groups and grammatical constructions several times and so have a good chance of _____ them.
Make sure you do plenty of reading, as the higher your level of _____, the more you will need to read.
Make sure you do plenty of reading, as the higher your level of _____, the more you will need to read.
A book that is not written in a controlled ______ may contain many unknown words.
A book that is not written in a controlled ______ may contain many unknown words.
When reading a book, you might encounter an unknown word in every ______ of the text.
When reading a book, you might encounter an unknown word in every ______ of the text.
Re-reading a book guarantees repetition of ______.
Re-reading a book guarantees repetition of ______.
If the subject matter of a book is __________ to you, it may be easier to understand the vocabulary.
If the subject matter of a book is __________ to you, it may be easier to understand the vocabulary.
Using an electronic reader allows for easy ______ look-up.
Using an electronic reader allows for easy ______ look-up.
The text may contain a large number of unknown words, possibly more than ______.
The text may contain a large number of unknown words, possibly more than ______.
The advantages of re-reading a book include increased reading ______.
The advantages of re-reading a book include increased reading ______.
A useful alternative to reading a long text is to do ______ reading on the same topic.
A useful alternative to reading a long text is to do ______ reading on the same topic.
Study Notes
Learning Through Listening
- Watching movies with subtitles can help learners get a feel for the language. E
- To deepen understanding, watch movies with subtitles after studying the movie script,,.
- Graded readers often come with accompanying CDs for spoken practice.
- To follow a movie without preparation, a learner needs at least 3,000 words, preferably around 6,000.
Learning Through Reading
- Graded readers are books written with controlled vocabulary, making them suitable for language learners at different proficiency levels.
- Major language teaching publishers offer graded reader series, including Oxford Bookworms, Cambridge English Readers, Penguin Readers, Foundation Readers, and National Geographic Readers.
- The number of new words introduced in a graded reader series increases with each level, starting from 400 words.
- Mid-frequency readers, available for free online, are suitable for learners who know more than 3,000 words.
- Reading encyclopaedias written for young children can also be helpful for language learners with small vocabularies.
- Utilizing electronic texts with easy dictionary look-up can enhance language learning.
Extensive Reading
- Extensive reading involves reading large amounts of text at the right level for the learner.
- Extensive reading is enjoyable and aims to read one book per week, dedicating at least an hour or two per week.
- In a balanced language course, around one-quarter of the course time should be dedicated to extensive reading.
- Research shows that extensive reading improves reading, vocabulary, and a wide range of language skills and knowledge.
Narrow Reading
- Narrow reading focuses on a single topic or subject area, reducing the number of different words encountered.
- Narrow reading builds content knowledge within a specific field, making reading easier and improving guessing unknown words from context.
- Learners with large vocabularies might benefit more from reading widely to encounter more words.
Reading Strategies
- Reading a book from the beginning to the end, learning every new word, is generally not recommended for books outside controlled vocabulary or unfamiliar topics.
- It is recommended to struggle through a book if it is a set text for a course, an important text in a field of study, a subject familiar to the learner, or a novel already read in the first language.
- Re-reading a book can be more efficient than reading a different one, offering repetition, recall, and fluency development.
Learning through Listening
- Watching movies with subtitles in the target language can help get a feel for the language even without understanding everything.
- Watching movies with a downloaded script can help improve listening skills. Read the script, look up unknown words, and watch the movie with subtitles.
- Graded readers with accompanying CDs offer listening practice opportunities. Reading before and while listening can improve comprehension.
Learning through Reading
- Reading texts at the right level is crucial for language learning.
- Graded readers offer controlled vocabulary texts for language learners at various proficiency levels.
- Oxford Bookworms, Cambridge English Readers, Penguin Readers, and Heinemann Foundation Readers are popular graded reader series.
- Each level in a series has a specific number of new words and total words, starting from level 1 and increasing to higher levels.
- For learners who know more than 3,000 words, Mid-frequency readers written at 4,000, 6,000, and 8,000 word levels are available online.
- Other reading sources include books used by native speakers at school for early reading, encyclopedias for young children, and electronic texts with easy dictionary look-up.
Extensive Reading
- Extensive reading involves reading large amounts of material at the right level, ideally for enjoyment.
- The goal is to read a book a week, spending at least an hour or two per week reading.
- Extensive reading should be a part of a well-balanced language course, with two-thirds of the time spent on texts with a few unknown words, and one-third on very easy material for fluency.
- Research shows that extensive reading improves reading, vocabulary, language skills, and knowledge.
Narrow Reading
- Narrow reading focuses on staying within a single topic or subject area, reducing the number of different words encountered.
- It builds up content knowledge, making reading easier and improving guessing from context.
- Narrow reading can be done through reading in a specialist area of knowledge, following the same story or topic in newspapers, or doing Issue logs activities.
- When vocabulary is over 6,000-7,000 words, reading widely across topics might be more beneficial to encounter more unknown words.
Considerations for Reading
- It is generally not recommended to read a long book from beginning to end, learning all unfamiliar words, unless it is a set text, important academic text, a familiar subject with similar technical terms in the L1, or a novel already read in the first language.
- Scanning texts to create an electronic version can make dictionary look-up easier.
- Re-reading the same book has advantages: it's easier, reinforces vocabulary, provides recall opportunities, develops fluency, and takes less time.
Listening Skills
- Watching movies with subtitles can help you get a feel for the language.
- Downloading a movie script and reading it before watching can improve your listening skills.
- Watch movies with subtitles multiple times for better comprehension.
- Graded readers often come with accompanying CDs, which allow you to read and listen simultaneously.
- To follow a movie without preparation, you should know at least 3,000 words and preferably around 6,000 words.
Reading Skills
- Reading texts at the right level is crucial for effective language acquisition.
- Graded readers are specifically designed for foreign language learners, offering controlled vocabulary at various levels.
- Major language teaching publishers, such as Oxford University Press, Cambridge University Press, Penguin, Heinemann, and National Geographic, have their own series of graded readers.
- Graded readers are beneficial because every word encountered is likely to be worth learning, even if it's not repeated in the book.
- Mid-frequency readers, available at Paul Nation’s website, are suitable for those who know more than 3,000 words.
- Extensive Reading Foundation provides information about various graded readers online, including those in Japanese and French.
- Reading native-speaker textbooks for young children can be helpful for learners with limited vocabularies.
- Encyclopedias written for young children offer another good reading source.
Reading Strategies
- Combining reading with deliberate vocabulary learning from cards or flashcard programs enhances comprehension.
- Electronic devices like Kindle and Kobo allow you to look up the meaning of words instantly while reading.
- Extensive reading involves reading large quantities of texts at the right level, ideally for enjoyment.
- For elementary and intermediate learners, extensive reading should focus on graded readers.
- Aim to read one book per week, dedicating at least one to two hours to reading.
- Extensive reading should occupy about a quarter of your language learning time.
- Two-thirds of your reading time should focus on materials with a few unfamiliar words, and one-third should be spent on very easy material to develop fluency.
Benefits of Extensive Reading
- Extensive reading has been shown to improve reading comprehension, vocabulary growth, overall language skills, and knowledge.
- It provides a sense of accomplishment and can be enjoyable.
Narrow Reading
- Narrow reading focuses on staying within a single topic or subject area.
- It reduces the number of different words encountered, allowing you to build up knowledge in a specific field, making it easier to guess the meaning of unfamiliar words within that topic.
When to Read a Whole Book
- While reading a whole book is not always an effective strategy for language learning, it can be beneficial in certain situations.
- Reading a set text for your course, an important text in your academic field, a novel already read in your first language, or a book on a familiar topic with similar terminology can be useful.
- Using electronic readers like Kindle or Kobo allows for easy dictionary look-up, making reading demanding texts easier.
Re-reading
- Re-reading a book can offer advantages such as ease of comprehension, vocabulary repetition, recall of previously learned words, fluency development, and time efficiency.
Additional Resources
- Extensive Reading Foundation website offers resources and information about graded readers.
- Paul Nation’s website provides free access to Mid-frequency readers for advanced learners.
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Description
This quiz explores effective strategies for language learning through listening and reading. It discusses the use of movies with subtitles and graded readers to enhance vocabulary and comprehension skills. Ideal for learners seeking to improve their language proficiency efficiently.