Teaching Extensive Reading in Another Language - Practical TESOL Guide

In this review of Teaching Extensive Reading in Another Language, the bottom line is clear: this book is for language teachers and graduate students who need a research-informed, practical guide to implementing extensive reading programs. The authors present current findings on motivation, reading fluency, and vocabulary learning in a readable way, so the single biggest reason to buy is its combination of accessible research summary and classroom-ready strategies that support sustained reading practice for L2 learners.

Key Features

• Comprehensive research synthesis: Summarizes current findings on extensive reading, making complex studies accessible for classroom use.
• Practical classroom strategies: Offers concrete methods and activities teachers can use to implement extensive reading programs with learners at different levels.
• Assessment and resources: Includes approaches to assessing extensive reading and resources useful for preservice teachers and course design.
• Case studies: Presents real examples that illustrate how extensive reading affects motivation and reading fluency in varied contexts.
• Targeted for TESOL and applied linguistics: Aligns with L2 reading, reading instruction, and TESOL methods courses, useful for both instructors and students.

Who It's For

This book is best for TESOL instructors, applied linguistics students, and teacher trainers who want an evidence-based, practical manual for extensive reading. It suits preservice teachers preparing for classroom placements and graduate courses in L2 reading or reading instruction.

Those who should look elsewhere include practitioners seeking a beginner primer on phonics or first-language literacy pedagogy, since the focus here is specifically on extensive reading in second and foreign language contexts rather than foundational reading mechanics.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Well grounded in current research, offering clear links between findings and classroom practice.
• Practical strategies and assessment ideas that preservice teachers can adopt immediately.
• Useful case studies that demonstrate effects on motivation, vocabulary, and reading fluency.

Cons

• Focused narrowly on extensive reading in L2 contexts, so it is not a general reading textbook for all literacy topics.

Specifications

Our Verdict

Teaching Extensive Reading in Another Language is a strong, practical resource for educators and students in TESOL and applied linguistics who need a research-led manual for designing and assessing extensive reading programs. Its accessible synthesis and usable classroom tools make it good value for teacher training and graduate study.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this book suitable for classroom implementation?
Yes. It contains strategies, case studies, and assessment approaches aimed at practical implementation in L2 classrooms.

Who are the authors and why do they matter?
The book is by Paul Nation and Rob Waring, respected scholars in second language reading whose work informs current practice in extensive reading.

Is this book for undergraduate beginners?
It is most useful for preservice teachers and graduate students; complete beginners in literacy theory may find it specialized for L1 foundational topics.