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Write a short note on extensive reading
Extensive Reading
Extensive reading implies that pupils read for information or simply to draw pleasure out of reading. It is also called as, “Rapid Reading” or “Independent Silent Reading.” This kind of reading emphasizes general comprehension and not language study. It means to read silently, quickly, to understand the subject-matter efficiently and to read without the help of a teacher. This enable the learner to ignore certain paragraphs or lines not so important and to skip on to the important ones only so as to concentrate on the ones, the learner is interested in.
According to Thompson and Wyatt, “The main purpose of extensive reading is the cultivation of a taste for reading and it seeks by encouraging the habit of visualizing what is read to make reading a form of visual instruction.”
Aims of Extensive Reading
- To understand the meaning of the concept as quickly and efficiently as possible.
- To develop the habit of silent reading and increasing passive vocabulary.
- To develop a habit for pleasure reading.
- To concentrate upon the context thus developing the skill of making notes of relevant information for future use.
Procedure of extensive reading
The exact procedure to be adopted varies according to the varying subject-matter. Anyhow, the main steps are:
- Introduction: The teacher gives the main hints / background of the passage and briefly clarifies the difficult points.
- Silent Reading: The students read silently with a good speed.
- Questioning: The teacher asks a few questions to judge the students reading comprehension.
Advantages of extensive reading
- It helps to gather necessary and relevant information utilizing less time.
- It keeps the class busy and active.
- It increases passive vocabulary.
- It is helpful in self – study and assignment preparation.
Disadvantages of extensive reading
The only drawback is that sometimes a learner may skip out some necessary point or else commit grammatical error as it means a quick and rapid reading.
