Podcast
Questions and Answers
What skill is involved in tackling unfamiliar lexical items?
What skill is involved in tackling unfamiliar lexical items?
What is a benefit of using authentic texts in language learning?
What is a benefit of using authentic texts in language learning?
Which of the following does NOT contribute to a text's readability?
Which of the following does NOT contribute to a text's readability?
When assessing students’ levels for text readability, which method can be utilized?
When assessing students’ levels for text readability, which method can be utilized?
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What do longer texts allow students to practice?
What do longer texts allow students to practice?
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What type of text is specifically mentioned as having a clear practical purpose?
What type of text is specifically mentioned as having a clear practical purpose?
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Which strategy is part of 'text attack skills'?
Which strategy is part of 'text attack skills'?
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How can new vocabulary be introduced effectively in relation to students' knowledge?
How can new vocabulary be introduced effectively in relation to students' knowledge?
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Which of the following factors is NOT considered a criterion in choosing texts for a reading class?
Which of the following factors is NOT considered a criterion in choosing texts for a reading class?
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What is the main purpose of exploiting a text in a reading lesson?
What is the main purpose of exploiting a text in a reading lesson?
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When selecting texts, which of the following should NOT be the primary consideration?
When selecting texts, which of the following should NOT be the primary consideration?
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How can teachers determine the suitability of content for their students?
How can teachers determine the suitability of content for their students?
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What does the term 'exploitability' refer to in the context of reading texts?
What does the term 'exploitability' refer to in the context of reading texts?
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In which situation is it acceptable to focus on teaching content like math or biology using reading texts?
In which situation is it acceptable to focus on teaching content like math or biology using reading texts?
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Which reading skill is NOT mentioned as part of integrating reading skills when choosing texts?
Which reading skill is NOT mentioned as part of integrating reading skills when choosing texts?
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What aspect should teachers consider to help students become independent readers?
What aspect should teachers consider to help students become independent readers?
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What percentage do students generally score on a cloze test to determine text difficulty?
What percentage do students generally score on a cloze test to determine text difficulty?
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What is a key characteristic of authentic texts used in language learning?
What is a key characteristic of authentic texts used in language learning?
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Which of the following is NOT a factor to consider when choosing texts for classroom study?
Which of the following is NOT a factor to consider when choosing texts for classroom study?
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What is recommended for students' independent reading texts?
What is recommended for students' independent reading texts?
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Which of the following is a disadvantage of using simplified texts?
Which of the following is a disadvantage of using simplified texts?
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What is the main purpose of using a variety of texts in reading lessons?
What is the main purpose of using a variety of texts in reading lessons?
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Which guideline suggests that texts should help students understand different perspectives?
Which guideline suggests that texts should help students understand different perspectives?
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Why is it essential for chosen texts to look authentic and attractive?
Why is it essential for chosen texts to look authentic and attractive?
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Study Notes
Selecting Texts for ESL Reading Classes
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Criteria for Choosing Texts
- Suitability of content
- Exploitability
- Readability
- Variety
- Authenticity
- Presentation
Suitability of Content
- Choose texts that interest students, making reading rewarding and classwork more engaging.
- Understand students' interests to select suitable content.
- Conduct surveys to determine students' preferred L1 reading materials.
- Observe borrowed library books to gauge student preferences.
- Be prepared to change texts if students are not engaging with them.
- Select texts you find personally interesting.
- Choose materials that students will need to read after leaving school.
Exploitability
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Exploiting a text involves facilitating learning by making use of the text to develop reading competence.
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Consider the purpose of exploiting the text.
- Purpose of the reading lesson: is the aim teaching language or content?
- Content learning is a bonus in a reading lesson that prioritizes language development.
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Focus on both language and content.
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Aim for fostering independent readers capable of applying reading strategies.
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Incorporate various reading skills during selection.
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Strategies in Using Flexible Techniques
- Variations in reading rate
- Skimming
- Scanning
- Study reading
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Strategies of using information that is not part of a linear text
- Reference
- Graphic conventions (e.g., figures, diagrams)
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Word attack skills
- Morphology
- Contextual inference
- Dictionaries
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Text attack skills
- Interpreting the text as a whole
- Utilizing top-down and bottom-up strategies, including cohesion and rhetorical structure
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Focus on how language is used to convey content rather than solely on content in a reading lesson, and using authentic texts for motivation
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Consider real-life uses for the text
- Examples: travel brochures, magazines, directions
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Use authentic texts to showcase real life application
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Longer texts allow practice of strategies like prediction, reference, scanning, and skimming.
- Provide context and explore author intent
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Use authentic texts that will make the functions clear and show how the text is used in real-world situations.
Readability
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Readability refers to a text's combined structural and lexical difficulty.
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Assess student reading levels before selecting texts
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Utilize vocabulary and structures that students already know.
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Pre-assess knowledge using graded cloze tests.
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Provide extensive reading materials to handle various abilities
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Introduce new vocabulary once the vocabulary range is known.
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Factor in sentence length and complexity.
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Experienced teachers can effectively gauge reading level.
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Readability formulas can help assess difficulty.
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But, readability indices are only rough guides.
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Students should score around 45% accuracy on cloze tests.
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Independent reading texts should be easier, such as 60%, to help with comprehension.
- Additional notes about Readability
Variety
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Use a variety of texts throughout the year.
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Familiar or topical texts can offer advantages.
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Allow vocabulary recycling and repeated learning
Authenticity
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Authentic texts are real texts for native speakers, not simplified versions for learners.
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Real-life application and purpose provide context and motivation.
- Demonstrate language use in real situations.
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Simpler texts may lack the characteristics of authentic examples.
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Avoid overly explicit texts, allowing students to infer meaning.
Presentation
- Choose texts that look attractive and authentic to the readers.
- Provide context to portray the text effectively.
- Make the text's function clear to improve understanding.
Guidelines for Choosing Classroom Texts
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Texts should introduce new information students do not already know.
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The text should introduce new ideas and encourage critical thinking about previously unfamiliar subjects.
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The text should also highlight other people's perspectives and viewpoints.
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Texts should make students want to read.
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Texts should offer intellectual challenges without demanding excessive language usage.
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Texts' language should be natural, not made artificial by teaching elements.
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Language usage in the text should imitate spoken or written language.
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Introduced vocabulary should have appropriate meaning, and not be excessive for the current learning stage.
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Texts should not be too explicit in presentation.
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Texts should be appropriate for deep, intensive study.
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Description
This quiz focuses on the criteria for selecting appropriate texts for ESL reading classes. Participants will explore factors such as content suitability, exploitability, readability, and authenticity to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. Gain insights into understanding student interests and preferences to make informed text choices.
