How to learn
English by reading

Do you want to know how to learn English by reading? Enroll for free in the ABA English course and join our more than 30 million students worldwide.

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DO YOU WANT TO LEARN ENGLISH BY READING?

One of the best ways to deepen your English level is reading books in English. This way you can improve vocabulary and understanding of grammatical structures. If you like to read, do not miss the opportunity to learn English by reading books.

Reading books in English is beneficial for your English, as you find words or expressions you don’t know but thanks to the context you can deduce their meanings without problems. When we are reading, we get so immersed in the story that we learn naturally, without realizing that we are learning. Look for texts to learn English by reading, based on your tastes and your English level and start the adventure.

TIPS TO LEARN ENGLISH BY READING

If you love reading and want to get the most out of it to learn English by reading, here are some basic tips to achieve it:

Choose books that fit your level, try not to read material too advanced for you.

Read what you like and manage to learn English by reading aloud. Listening to yourself is a good way to improve.

Find the time of day when you can enjoy your reading moment.

Don’t try to understand every word, try to grasp the main idea of each paragraph.

Take advantage of what technology offers you, you can learn English by reading and listening through audiobooks, which are another useful tool when learning.

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How to know my English reading level

According to the Common European Framework of Reference, there are several levels of complexity in language mastery.
Specifically in literacy, keep in mind the following parameters so that you have an idea of your current reading level, and thus you can choose the material and strategies that suit you best.

Level	Skills
A1	Understanding basic texts. For example, reading a sign or announcement.
A2	You can understand vocabulary related to personal topics and immediate importance. For example: personal information, family, preferences, everyday situations like work, shopping or visiting a doctor. Reading text messages, emails and announcements.
B1	You will be able to understand the general ideas of simple texts. For example, brief articles from magazines and newspapers.
B2	You should be able to extract main ideas and details from a reading. More specialized topics. Reading articles and stories.
C1–C2	At advanced levels you should be able to read specialized articles, novels, poetry, essays, etc. Ability to interpret text and subtext, multiple synonyms and complex grammatical structures.

Do you know your English level?

Take a test now.

Register on our page and get free access to the level test. In a few minutes you will know your level and can keep advancing with the course.

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How to learn English by reading according to my level

Now that you have an approximate idea of your reading level, you can explore how to learn English by reading things that correspond to what you need. The important thing is not to try to force things, rather enjoy what you are doing. It is also advisable that the reading topics are of your interest. Here are some recommendations:

Levels A1-A2: Focus on short sentences that you can find on advertising signs, TV commercials in English, magazine ads, etc.

Go ahead and explore illustrated materials like flashcards, comic magazines and children’s stories. Also use the vocabulary materials from the ABA English app.

Levels B1-B2: Read short stories, or start with a short novel like The Little Prince (The Little Prince). You will also find a lot of reading material online such as press articles and magazines. ABA English also provides reading material with tests to evaluate your reading and comprehension levels.

Levels C1-C2: Look for specialized material that interests you. Use English subtitles on movies so you can permanently check the vocabulary.

Finally, venture to read a novel with more complex English like Pride and Prejudice (Pride and Prejudice), Alice in Wonderland or a work by Shakespeare like Hamlet or Romeo and Juliet.

No matter what English level you are at, you have tools at your disposal to get the most out of your reading times, such as online translators, synonym dictionaries and dictionaries with definitions in English for advanced levels.