ARTICLE REVIEW

NAME: ESWARY A/P VASUDEVAN

ARTICLE TITLE : A Blended Extensive Reading and Intensive Reading Activity

1.0 SUMMARY OF ARTICLES

In a study conducted by Dung Thi Thanh Do, it is explained both types of

reading namely intensive reading and extensive reading. In addition, the researcher

also explained about the use of a combination of both types of reading. According to

the researcher he says in his article that the best way to increase knowledge of a

foreign language is to go and stay among native speakers. The next best way is to

read extensively in it.

Researchers state that there are two common types of reading instruction

namely Extensive and Intensive. Intensive reading is the most commonly taught

method of teaching reading. Intensive reading is a detailed in class analysis, lead by

the teacher, of vocabulary and grammar, in short passages. After all, this method

draws attention to grammatical forms, discourse markers, and other surface

structural details for the purpose of understanding literal meanings, implications,

rhetorical relationships and something like that.

Some of the key features of Intensive reading are usually classroom based

and readers are very engaged in looking into the text. Next students focus on the

linguistic or semantic details of reading and focus on surface structure details such

as grammar and discourse markers. After all, students identify key vocabulary, and

can draw pictures to help them as well as text read with and aim to build more
language knowledge than just practicing reading skills. Next this method is seen

more often than extensive reading in the classroom.

The advantage of intensive reading is that it focuses students on specific

aspects of language such as structure, vocabulary and idioms. In that way, it

provides a foundation for students to develop greater language control. While there

are proven benefits to the intensive reading methodology, researchers have also

cited some negatives. In classes with multiple reading abilities, students may not be

able to read at their own level because everyone in the class reads the same

material. Also, the text may interest the reader or may not because it was chosen by

the teacher. That may explain students ’complaints, that reading in English is difficult

or tedious. In addition, practice and assessment typically follow intensive reading,

students may associate reading with testing rather than fun. Next, explain that

extensive reading is carried out "to achieve a general understanding of a text." In

other words, this type of reading is always done to understand the main idea, not for

specific details. The other main goal of extensive reading is to build the confidence

and enjoyment of the reader.

In extensive reading, students read as much as they want and various

materials on various topics are available and can choose what they want to read.

After all, the purpose of reading is usually related to enjoyment, information and

general understanding, and reading is its own reward. Next the reading material is in

the linguistic competence of the students in terms of vocabulary and grammar and

reading individually and silently. Reading speed is usually faster than slower. Here

the teacher orientates the students to the goals of the program and becomes an

example for the students.

 First, extensive reading allows students to encounter language in its natural

context and see how it functions in advanced discourse beyond the language found

in textbooks. That way, new vocabulary and grammar points can be acquired even if

they are not taught directly. In turn, this method facilitates an in depth understanding

of how the pattern works. More importantly, this type of reading builds confidence,

motivation, enjoyment and love of reading which makes students more effective

users of the Language. Finally, extensive reading builds background knowledge in

many areas that can prepare students for future work.

Some of the challenges of Extensive Reading are obvious. Students are

advised to select texts within their level of language proficiency. For the first few

days of training, it can take a very long time for the teacher to read each student’s

journal and report. More seriously, students who are only exposed to the intensive

reading program may not believe that extensive reading is the “right” way to learn.

They may feel that the time spent on Extensive Reading will take time that can be

spent learning language skills. However, to get the maximum benefit from reading

students need to engage in both extensive and intensive reading. A good reader is

one who has developed strategies and skills through intensive reading that is

transferred to a broader reading context.

2.0 ARTICLE REVIEW

As a teacher, I also need to expose my students to reading materials so that reading

skills are very important skills because these skills are fundamental to the

development of a child in the world of education. Without mastering reading skills a

child finds it difficult to move on to the next level. Therefore as an English teacher I

use both ways of reading to my students. My purpose in using a combination of both

methods is that I think that the reading material given by the teacher will benefit by

increasing knowledge in the subject area while the reading material chosen by the

students themselves will be an important element to increase interest and freedom of

choice for students will indirectly and more interested in reading and not bored just

with the relatively formal reading material given by the teacher.

In the application of these two methods, I used different assessment

instruments to find out the extent to which students were interested in both methods.

For intensive reading, I use question and answer sessions with students on the

reading material read by students while for extensive reading, I evaluate the

students' NILAM book to find out their reading comprehension.

3.0 CONCLUSION

As an educator, a teacher must be wise in choosing reading materials to

improve students' knowledge in terms of technical and general knowledge. Quality

reading material is able to create students with extensive knowledge.