Hey there! This is TOP episode 202. Summer Reading List
I’m Ola, an English teacher with over a decade of teaching under my belt. I firmly believe that unlocking fluency is within your reach. In fact, the key to fluency is in your pocket. Imagine confidently speaking English, conquering your fears, and embracing effective communication.
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Hello there! Thanks for being here! We’re going to talk about reading today, but first let me tell you this. Please go to teacherola.com/activator and become a member of TOPeople. Every week I’ll send one email packed with tips and tasks on how to start speaking fluently. See you in your inbox. Teacheroa.com/activator.
Reading in a target language is a valuable tool for all language learners. It enhances vocabulary, grammar, cultural understanding, reading comprehension, critical thinking, and overall fluency. You can do it in various ways, reading can be paired with listening to an audiobook version of the same book, you can translate it into your target language and then check with a Polish translation. Well, we need an episode on that but today we’re focusing on reading ideas for summertime.
Before we jump in I just want you to remember the value of reading. not only for your language competence but also for your memory. Reading is really one of the best things you can do for your brain so I always recommend reading. It will help you boost your fluency in a number of ways but let’s not underestimate the fact that it trains your memory and as a result you remember more words or you remember them better.
As you already know there are oodles of benefits of reading, but let me shortly tell you about just a couple.
First and foremost, reading extensively helps improve reading speed and fluency. The more you practice reading, the faster you become at recognizing words and understanding sentences. YOu see where the words begin and end so that it helps you see the language salad is truly made of specific words/ I’m not sure if I explain it well enough. Maybe you know this feeling when you’re listening and you’re not able to recognise separate words. Due to connected speech and other features of pronunciation, it all sounds like one long sentence. Right? So, when you read you see the words and it all starts to make more sense. Hence – reading improves your listenig.
The second huge advantage of reading in a foreign language is vocabulary expansion. Reading exposes you to a wide range of words and phrases in context. Through extensive reading, we encounter new vocabulary and learn how words are used naturally. This helps build a solid foundation of words.
Thirdly, grammar and syntax. Reading provides you with examples of correct grammar usage and sentence structure. By observing how sentences are constructed in various contexts, you gain a deeper understanding of the rules and syntax. Doesn’t it enhance your ability to communicate accurately?
To make the most of reading in a target language, you should select materials appropriate to their level, gradually increasing the difficulty as your skills improve. You can start with graded readers or simplified texts and then progress to authentic materials like newspapers, magazines, and novels. What I recommend for you at this point is a free website: https://english-e-reader.net/ The link is in the shownotes at teacherola.com/202. Choose titles that suit your level and interests and do it.
Apart from this website, I have some other ideas for you. They are books, websites and magazines. I’m going to give you some recommendations for each of the three categories.
Let’s begin with books.
Think about a book you loved reading in Polish. Find the same book in English and Bob’s your uncle. Here you have it. Something you like, something you know, but now you’re reading in English so that’s a new challenge for you. I did that a few times and it worked great! Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings, you name it. You can find ebooks, easily or if you’re into holding an actual book in your hand go to Allegro or Vinted and buy a second-hand copy. I hope you’ll find your favourite title or your favourite author. Don’t forget to let me know what you’ve picked.
If you have no idea what’s so ever on what to choose I’ll give you a few titles with short descriptions. I hope you get inspired.
One. “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins: Set in a dystopian future, the novel follows the story of Katniss Everdeen, a young girl who volunteers for a brutal televised competition known as the Hunger Games. In a society divided into districts, she must fight for survival against other participants while challenging the oppressive regime. This thrilling and thought-provoking book explores themes of power, survival, and rebellion.
Two. “The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien: This classic fantasy novel takes readers on an adventure with Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who is reluctantly swept into a quest to reclaim a treasure guarded by the fearsome dragon Smaug. Along the way, Bilbo encounters a host of magical creatures, including dwarves, elves, and wizards, as he discovers bravery and inner strength he never knew he possessed. “The Hobbit” serves as a prequel to Tolkien’s epic “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy.
Three. “Wuthering Heights” by Emily Brontë: Considered a masterpiece of English literature, “Wuthering Heights” is a Gothic romance novel that tells the tragic tale of Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff. Set in the haunting Yorkshire moors, the book explores themes of love, obsession, revenge, and social class. Brontë’s atmospheric writing style and complex characters make this novel a timeless and enduring work.
Four. “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” by Lewis Carroll: A beloved children’s book, “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” follows the curious protagonist Alice as she falls down a rabbit hole and enters a whimsical and nonsensical world. Populated by memorable characters like the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter, and the Queen of Hearts, the story takes readers on a surreal journey filled with imaginative wordplay and clever riddles. Carroll’s imaginative storytelling and surreal landscapes continue to captivate readers of all ages.
Five. “Billy Summers” is a novel written by Stephen King. It centers around the protagonist, Billy Summers, a highly skilled sniper and war veteran who now works as a hitman. However, Billy is not your typical assassin. He takes on one final job that seems straightforward but quickly becomes more complicated and dangerous than he anticipated. As the story unfolds, Billy finds himself caught in a web of intrigue, moral dilemmas, and unexpected twists. “Billy Summers” is a thrilling and suspenseful tale that delves into themes of redemption, justice, and the consequences of one’s actions.
Six. “Atomic Habits” by James Clear: This self-help book offers practical advice and strategies for making small changes that lead to remarkable results. Clear explores the concept of habits and how they shape our lives, providing insights into how habits are formed, how to break bad habits, and how to build good ones. With a focus on the power of small actions, “Atomic Habits” provides a framework for personal growth and achieving long-term success by harnessing the compound effect of incremental improvements.
Now, let’s move on to websites. Here’s a subjective list of websites that offer interesting articles, I hope you find something for yourself:
One. https://www.messynessychic.com/ “Messy Nessy Chic” is an eclectic online platform that celebrates unconventional stories, travel, culture, and history. Founded by Vanessa Grall, the website uncovers hidden gems and offbeat phenomena. With vibrant visuals and captivating content, it offers a unique blend of articles, photo essays, and curated lists. From unusual travel destinations to vintage fashion, abandoned places to extraordinary individuals, the site takes you on virtual adventures. It also showcases art, photography, and design.
Two. https://www.mentalfloss.com/ “Mental Floss” is a captivating website that covers a wide range of intriguing topics, including science, history, pop culture, and trivia. With its visually appealing layout, the site presents engaging articles, videos, and quizzes. It offers well-researched content that educates and entertains, providing fascinating facts and untold stories.
Three. https://www.ted.com/ TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) is a renowned platform that offers a wealth of inspiring and thought-provoking content. The website, TED.com, hosts a vast collection of engaging and insightful TED Talks given by experts, innovators, and thought leaders from diverse fields. With its clean and user-friendly interface, TED.com allows visitors to explore talks on a wide range of topics, including science, technology, psychology, education, and more. These talks deliver captivating stories, cutting-edge ideas, and profound perspectives in concise and powerful presentations.
FOUR. https://www.howstuffworks.com/ “HowStuffWorks” is an expansive and informative website that aims to unravel the mysteries behind everyday phenomena. With a user-friendly layout, it provides in-depth articles, videos, and podcasts on a vast array of subjects, ranging from science and technology to history and culture. The website’s content breaks down complex concepts and processes into accessible and engaging explanations, allowing yous to grasp the inner workings of various topics.
The last category is magazines. You know, it depends on what you like and it is crucial for you to pick something that interests you. Go to Allegro or Vinted and grab a copy of a magazine you like at a great price. In empik you’ll also find many titles in English. The proce is not that great but you can find something there and get inspired. Now, when it comes to recommendations I have one only, and it’s
National Geographic. It’s a renowned publication that captivates readers with its rich content and stunning visual storytelling. With a history spanning over a century, the magazine delves into diverse subjects such as nature, science, culture, and exploration. Through its articles, breathtaking photography, and insightful features, National Geographic transports us to the far corners of the globe, shedding light on both familiar and remote destinations.
We’ve come to the practical part. Now you’re talking. Say it out loud. Listen to these sentences and repeat:
Set in a dystopian future, the novel follows the story of Katniss Everdeen.
This classic fantasy novel takes you on an adventure with Bilbo Baggins.
Set in the haunting Yorkshire moors, the book explores themes of love, and obsession.
Follow the curious protagonist Alice as she falls down a rabbit hole.
He takes on one final job that seems straightforward but quickly becomes more complicated.
This self-help book offers practical advice and strategies for making small changes.
The website uncovers hidden gems and offbeat phenomena.
It offers well-researched content that educates and entertains.
TED is a renowned platform that offers a wealth of inspiring and thought-provoking content.
National Geographic transports us to the far corners of the globe
There you go! Now, download the Worksheet and practice some more, it’s in your inbox. If you aren’t a member of TOPeople download the worksheet from teacherola.com/202.
Don’t forget to download Speaking Activator and join one of our groups. Go to teacherola.com/activator.
Thank you for listening! I’ll see you next Wednesday! Happy learning. Take care! Stay fearless and say it out loud! Bye!