Chapter 7:
How to teach reading
Harmer, J.(1998). How to teach English. Longman
1. Why teach reading?
Language acquisition
Providing good models for writing
Providing opportunities to study language:
-vocabulary, grammar & pronunciation
-ways to construct sentences, paragraphs…
Introducing speaking interesting topics,
discussion, imaginative responses,
fascinating lessons
2. Kinds of reading text
Texts: authentic or not
Authentic written material
the most important thing: texts are
as much like real English as possible
Topics & types of reading texts
Depending on the level & interests
of learners
3. Reading skills required
Scanning: particular bits of/ specific
information
Skimming for the main idea
Reading for detailed comprehension
Reading for developing critical
thinking skills
Reading & making inferences
4.Principles
Reading: not a passive skill
Ss engaged with what to read
Ss encouraged to respond to the
content of a text, not the language
Prediction: major factor in reading
Matching the task to the topic
Exploiting reading texts to the full