Extensive Reading (多読) at TFU

Extensive reading (多読) with easy, graded readers (novels, short stories, & nonfiction written at different difficulty levels) is probably the best way to build your overall English ability. Reading 1-2 books each week at your level over 1-3 years can lead to Great Progress!

Good News! The 英語多読 Library in the LCSR (１号館, ２階 - 120教室の隣) contains over 2,000 novels, short-story collections and nonfiction titles at levels that will fit any TFU student—from Very Easy, to Easy, to Medium, to Challenging, etc. Many books include CDs, so you can read and listen—a powerful way to learn.  The library is open every weekday (M-F), 12:00 - 12:30 to borrow and return books. You just need your student ID card. 

These days, many readers are enjoying the convenience of e-Books (電子ブック), and the TFU Library offers hundreds of  graded readers in e-Book (電子ブック) form. Simply go to the library website. From the 「探す／調べる」 menu, click the 電子ブック link and scroll down to 言語 (Language) section. See this guide to help you get started. Hundreds of books from Cambridge, Cengage/National Geographic and Macmillan are there for easy, on-campus pdf download. After you download a book, you can enjoy reading it anywhere with your PC, smartphone, tablet, etc. To download books off-campus you'll need to set up a special account for the Maruzen eBook Library. Follow the instructions on the TFU Library website. 

With graded readers you can enjoy reading at your level (without a dictionary) anytime and anyplace you like, naturally building your English knowledge and sense of the language. Many of the books also have CDs (or downloadable audio files), so you can improve your listening and pronunciation skills while you read, or by listening again after you read. 

Some books are famous titles that have been simplified for English learners. Others readers were originally written for learners. The easiest books are very short, with simple stories and lots of pictures. As your level goes up, you can read more complex and interesting stories. Visit the LCSR and borrow a book every week! 

You can also join our weekly TFU ER (多読) Group and enjoy reading and talking about reading with other students. 

Here's some information that will help you understand more about how to do extensive reading and listening (多読／聞) and how they help your language ability. It's all free!

• TFU Graded Reader Level System

• Guide to Extensive & Graded Reading at TFU 

• Why Easy, Extensive Reading? (English & 日本語)

• Extensive Reading Tips (English & 日本語)

If you have any questions or suggestions about Extensive/Graded Reading, please contact Ken Schmidt.