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Extensive Reading: Read More, Learn More (The Science)

Extensive Reading (ER) is a research-backed approach to language learning that emphasizes reading large quantities of easy, enjoyable material. Instead of struggling with every word, you read at a level where you understand 95-98% of the text—and let vocabulary and grammar develop naturally.

By LoreGlide TeamLast updated: 2025-12-27

What is Extensive Reading?

Extensive Reading is a method where you read a lot of text that is easy and enjoyable for you. The goal is not to analyze every sentence, but to build fluency and absorb language naturally through exposure.

  • Read easy material: You should understand 95-98% of the words without a dictionary
  • Read a lot: Volume matters—the more you read, the more you learn
  • Read for pleasure: Choose content you genuinely want to read (stories, articles, blogs)
  • Read without stopping: Avoid constant dictionary lookups that break your reading flow
  • It's not studying: Think of it as enjoyable input, not homework

Why Extensive Reading works

According to Dr. Stephen Krashen's Input Hypothesis, we acquire language when we receive 'comprehensible input'—language that is slightly above our current level but still understandable. Extensive Reading provides exactly this environment.

  • Vocabulary acquisition: Research by Paul Nation shows that learners need 12+ exposures to a word to truly acquire it. Extensive Reading naturally provides repeated, contextual exposure
  • Reading fluency: When you read easy material, your brain focuses on meaning rather than decoding—building automatic word recognition
  • Grammar internalization: Patterns become intuitive through exposure, not memorization
  • Sustained motivation: When reading is enjoyable, you read more. When you read more, you improve faster
  • Reduced anxiety: No tests, no pressure—just you and the text

Extensive Reading vs. Intensive Reading

Both approaches have their place, but they serve different purposes:

  • Extensive Reading (ER): Read a LOT of easy material for fluency and pleasure. Skip unknown words or use quick Contextual Definitions
  • Intensive Reading (IR): Read a SHORT text carefully, analyzing grammar and looking up every word. Used in classrooms for detailed study
  • The problem: Most learners do too much IR and not enough ER. Result? They can parse sentences but can't read fluently
  • The solution: Shift the balance. Make ER your default reading mode, reserving IR for specific study sessions

How to apply Extensive Reading with LoreGlide

  1. 1Import your own content: Paste text, upload TXT, or import EPUB—bring what you actually want to read
  2. 2Choose the right level: Select a CEFR level (A2–C2) where you understand 95%+ of the text through Graded Translation
  3. 3Read in flow: Use Contextual Definitions for quick lookups without leaving the page, and the Lifeline feature when you need the original paragraph
  4. 4Read a lot: Aim for 15-30 minutes daily. Consistency beats intensity

Key principles for success

  • Choose your level wisely: If you're looking up more than 5 words per page, the material is too hard
  • Prioritize enjoyment: Drop boring books. There's no virtue in finishing something you hate
  • Track your reading: Even a simple log of pages or minutes builds awareness and motivation
  • Trust the process: Vocabulary growth is gradual. You won't notice it day-to-day, but you will over months
  • Mix genres: Variety exposes you to different vocabulary, registers, and styles

Sources

  • Stephen Krashen – Input Hypothesis (overview)Visit
  • Paul Nation – Vocabulary research at Victoria UniversityVisit
  • Council of Europe – CEFR frameworkVisit
  • Extensive Reading FoundationVisit

FAQ

How easy should my reading material be?▾
You should understand 95-98% of the words. If you're stopping to look up words every sentence, the material is too hard. Use LoreGlide's Graded Translation to adjust the difficulty.
How much should I read?▾
Aim for 15-30 minutes daily. Research suggests that consistency matters more than marathon sessions. Even 10 minutes is better than nothing.
Can I look up words in Extensive Reading?▾
Yes, but sparingly. Quick, in-context lookups (like LoreGlide's Contextual Definitions) are fine. Avoid turning reading into a dictionary exercise.
Is LoreGlide a content library?▾
No. LoreGlide is BYOC (Bring Your Own Content). Import text you own or have permission to use. Your uploads are private by default and never indexed.