Category Archives: Reading

Reading Skills: Skimming & Scanning

Posted on March 1, 2015 by mhardy3222

Skimming and scanning are important reading skills. We all seem to have the ability to skim and scan when we are reading something in our language. However, it doesn’t come naturally for students learning a second language. Students often focus on … Continue reading →

Posted in Advanced (Level 6+), ESL Teachers, IELTS, Intermediate (Level 4), Reading, Upper Intermediate (Level 5) | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Short stories by Vanda Vadas

Posted on January 11, 2015 by mhardy3222

I constantly encourage English students to read excellent authors in order to improve their reading, writing, and vocabulary skills. How can you possibly acquire the skills you need for advanced level writing if you don’t read inspiring material? Vanda Vadas is just such … Continue reading →

Posted in Advanced (Level 6+), Cambridge, Grammar, IELTS, Reading, Upper Intermediate (Level 5), Vocabulary, Writing | Tagged , | Leave a comment

The World Cup and Prepositions

Posted on June 29, 2014 by mhardy3222

Emotional … Mexico’s coach Miguel Herrera celebrates after the victory over Croatia in Group A. Photo: AFP (Michael Lynch, Senior sports reporter with The Age) As the World Cup is a very popular event for many countries, this is a perfect time to … Continue reading →

Posted in Advanced (Level 6+), Grammar, Intermediate (Level 4), Reading, Upper Intermediate (Level 5) | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Suggested Reading for Advanced Students

Posted on April 26, 2013 by mhardy3222

One of my advanced students, Vinicius from Brazil, asked me to recommend some interesting books for him to read. So here are a few suggestions for Vinicius and any English students who enjoy not just a good story, but superb … Continue reading →

Posted in Advanced (Level 6+), Reading, Upper Intermediate (Level 5) | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Enjoy reading and increase your vocabulary and writing skill

Posted on April 24, 2013 by mhardy3222

Tara Moss Tara Moss is a bestselling Canadian-Australian author, television presenter, journalist and former model. She has kindly made some of her short stories available free on the Internet. If you wish to improve your English expression, her stories are … Continue reading →

Posted in Advanced (Level 6+), Reading, Upper Intermediate (Level 5), Vocabulary, Writing | Leave a comment

Understanding language in context

Posted on April 23, 2013 by mhardy3222

There are some wonderful learning tools on the Internet for students of English. One I can highly recommend is an Online Concordancer. If you want to know how to use a word or phrase in context, or if you want … Continue reading →

Posted in Advanced (Level 6+), Grammar, Intermediate (Level 4), Reading, Upper Intermediate (Level 5), Vocabulary, Writing | Tagged | Leave a comment

Have fun improving ALL your English skills: Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing, while increasing your Vocabulary.

Posted on April 6, 2013 by mhardy3222

You can boost your vocabulary by checking out myriad sites on the Internet. Decide which vocabulary subjects you wish to develop and there will be heaps of help at your finger tips! For example, if you would like to talk … Continue reading →

Posted in Intermediate (Level 4), Reading, Upper Intermediate (Level 5), Vocabulary | 1 Comment

Do you need help with PREPOSITIONS? (on, in, to, from, with, into, at … etc.)

Posted on April 6, 2013 by mhardy3222

A good way to learn and remember prepositions is to read. This site has hundreds of easy, short stories. First, read this story “Chocolate Milk”. Second, click-on Cloze and Sentences. If you would like to read more short stories with … Continue reading →

Posted in Beginner (Level 1), Elementary (Level 2), Pre-Intermediate (Level 3), Reading | Tagged | Leave a comment