Reading: The Power of Reading Aloud
Try it! I will help to improve your language skills!
The week’s reading article about the power of reading aloud is an interesting and very useful one! I have been an English language teacher for more than 20 years and the one thing that people want to improve, more than anything else, is their speaking ability. They come to me with good knowledge of vocabulary and grammar but not the ability or confidence to use it. Why is it so hard to improve your speaking? Well, speaking is a bit like tennis – you need at least two people to play! Finding someone who you can talk to regularly on a variety of different topics can be a challenge. And this is the problem!
But don’t worry!! There is a solution to the speaking problem and that is reading out loud. Reading to yourself (or your cat) is a great way to gain experience in speaking English. It is great for so many things – vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, fluency etc! By reading aloud to yourself, you will be able to improve your speaking ability in no time at all! Go on! Give it a go and start reading this article out loud now!
You will find these articles, the reading comprehension questions, and the vocabulary very helpful for your language-learning journey. Read along and improve your grammar and vocabulary while learning something new at the same time!
Reading: The Power of Reading Aloud
Most adults today read silently, a stark contrast to the noisy reading practices of ancient civilizations where reading often meant “to cry out” or “to listen.” However, recent research suggests that reading aloud offers numerous benefits, from enhancing memory to deepening understanding of complex texts. Colin MacLeod, a psychologist, coined the “production effect,” showing that reading aloud improves memory retention, a phenomenon demonstrated across age groups. For instance, children and older adults alike recall words and texts better when read aloud compared to silently. This effect can last up to a week after the reading task.
Reading aloud not only boosts memory but also helps in detecting memory problems early on. People tend to remember spoken words better because they stand out and are distinct, creating a stronger memory association. Listening to someone else read can also benefit memory, as shown in a study where elderly individuals with dementia improved in memory tests after listening to novel extracts.
In contemporary times, many adults read aloud more than they realize. From sharing funny emails to deciphering legal documents, reading aloud is a common practice. It brings joy, comfort, and a sense of belonging, similar to the experience when reading to children. This closeness is not limited to entertainment; it also serves as a way to bond and connect with others. While silent reading offers speed and efficiency, the act of reading aloud has a distinct place in human history and modern life, providing a slower, more memorable way to engage with written material.
In ancient times, scribes, much like us, appreciated both silent reading for its speed and reading aloud for its ability to make texts more memorable and engaging. In today's fast-paced world, reading aloud offers a valuable moment of connection with the words, allowing us to slow down and fully absorb what we're reading. Whether it's to improve memory, better understand difficult material, or simply enjoy the richness of spoken language, reading aloud has clear benefits, especially for language learners looking to enhance their skills.
Now, read and answer the following questions:
1. According to the article, what is the “production effect” in reading aloud, and how does it impact memory?
2. What benefits does reading aloud offer, as discussed by psychologist Colin MacLeod?
3. How does the study involving elderly individuals with dementia demonstrate the benefits of listening to someone else read aloud?
4. Describe the reasons why many adults today still engage in the practice of reading aloud, according to the article.
5. Compare and contrast the advantages of silent reading versus reading aloud, as discussed in the article.
New Vocabulary
aloud - to read something using your voice
stark – clear, obvious
contrast – difference
ancient - a long, long time ago
numerous – many
to coin (something) – to introduce a new expression
to recall – to remember
to enhance – to improve or make better
complex - difficult, complicated
memory retention - remembering things
phenomenon - an interesting thing or situation
boost - to help or encourage
detecting - to find, discover
distinct - very different to other things
dementia - a medical condition where your brain slowly stops remembering
extracts - parts
contemporary – modern
to decipher - to understand
engage - to talk to
scribes – writers
For extra practice read the original source here: https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200917-the-surprising-power-of-reading-aloud
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-Sarah