ARTICLE - How to Learn English by Reading Texts:

The English language is one of the hardest to master, even for native speakers. There are exceptions to many grammar and spelling rules, as well as many words that have multiple meanings depending on context. Reading frequently will help you become familiar with sentence patterns and structure and allow you to see the same words used in different ways. 

Instructions:

1. Read fiction to see English used descriptively and expressively. Novels provide the best example of the varied uses of the language. Authors use many sentence structures and word selections. Complex novels will challenge you to re-read and look up unfamiliar words. Spoken dialogue allows you to see the language directly expressed, which allows you to learn how to recognize idioms, dialects and colloquialisms.

2. Read non-fiction texts to learn about the technical aspects of English. Newspaper and magazine articles give factual information presented clearly and concisely because of space constraints. Reading these types of material will help you when writing essays and research papers that are focused around a specific thesis, and prevent you from being too generalized.

3. Read critically to learn how to express your ideas in English. Knowledge of English grammar and mechanics is important in writing and reading. Reading poetry, plays and short stories, then writing your thoughts about the author's use of the language, helps you practice your understanding of how the language works to communicate ideas.