Why are we doing free reading?
In this class, we will use our textbook to practice reading skills
and study vocabulary. However, if you read more outside of class,
your reading will improve faster. Like playing a sport or a musical
instrument, if you practice more, you will get better. I hope that
the free reading part of this class encourages you to read and practice
more.
What should I read?
People read for many different purposes: to get information,
for fun, to escape from the real world, or sometimes just to kill time.
For free reading, you can choose anything you want to read (in English,
of course!). You may want to start by looking in the Learning Center
to see what interests you. In the Learning Center, there are newspapers
("News For You"), adapted novels, and short stories especially for Level
E. Look through some of the books there to see what interests you.
However, you may choose anything, even from unusual sources like advertisements
and food packages. Remember, though--more is better, and you should
choose things you like to read!
How much time do I need to spend every week on free reading?
You need to spend 2 to 4 hours every week. You can spend this
time reading just one thing, like a novel or short story, or you can spend
the time reading a lot of different short things, like articles in News
For You.
What is the Free Reading Journal?
The Free Reading Journal asks some simple questions about your reading
outside of class. It is the only way I can know what you are reading,and
how much. If you are having problems with your free reading, I can
also try to help you and answer your questions through the Journal.
Look at the Free Reading
Example to see how to answer the questions.
Why do I need to do the Free Reading Journal?
Free reading is ten percent of your course grade. The Free Reading
Journal is one way for me to see how much reading you do outside of class,
and how much you are trying to improve your reading.
When do I need to hand in the Free Reading Journal?
You must hand it in at the beginning of class every Monday, OR send
it on e-mail not later than 12:00 (noon) on Mondays. If you send
it on e-mail, be sure to number all of your answers. If you hand
it in on paper, you can print out a blank
copy every week.
What is the oral report?
Every Monday, one or two of you will stand up in front of the class
and tell about your free reading for the last week. You will have
about 5 minutes to tell the class 1) what you read, 2) why you liked it
or thought it was important, 3) what you learned from it, and 4) one or
two new vocabulary words from the free reading.
Why do I need to do an oral report?
This is a good way to share your interests with your classmates, and
also to help them learn new vocabulary. Maybe some of your classmates
will want to read the same thing after you tell them about it. Your
classmates will have a chance to ask you questions about it, too.
If I have problems or questions, what can I do?
If you have problems or questions, please be sure to ask me for help.
The fastest way to get help is to e-mail me. You can also telephone,
see me after class, or make an appointment to see me.
| Syllabus | Free Reading Example | Free Reading Blank |