Reading

The functional definition of literacy is the ability to read and write. This definition, however, can be considered too simplistic in the complex world in which we live. In order to engage fully, people need to read and interpret visual, digital and printed material with discernment and insight.

The English Literacy Skills course has been developed to enhance competencies beyond mere reading and writing of words. To be able to read with comprehension, people need to make assessments of newspapers, novels, comics, magazines, films, reference material, and even websites. Having the ability of discernment means engaging with printed and digital material at both an intellectual and an emotional level – evaluating and appraising the information that is being presented.

• To be able to engage fully, printed and digital material needs to be understood
• completely. This means understanding:
• The structure of sentences
• How words and phrases are put together
• The use of punctuation marks
• How emotive language can be used to manipulate people
• The difference between facts and opinions
• The use of figurative language
• Stereotypes

When a person is fully engaged, it means the person understands the material that is being presented, can make connections between ideas and can evaluate effectively. This translates into self-confidence and a heightened sense of self-esteem and self-worth. The person can contribute meaningfully to discussions, can write with purpose and can sift through information to identify what is valid and what is invalid.

Are you an avid reader? Do you struggle to find books that you are able to immerse yourself in? Do you lose yourself in books and find yourself transported to other worlds and times? If this describes you – then you have found the forum to connect with other like-minded readers. Finding genres and writers that you enjoy can be challenging. Maybe you have read the famous dystopian novel The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood and are searching for similar novels. Who better to ask than other ardent readers who can recommend similar themes or writers. The Reading Community offers you the opportunity to share recommendations and discuss the merits of books that you have read with people who, like you, love reading.

Boston Language School is proud to be the forum for avid readers who would like to share the wonder, awe and loss they experienced when they completed an amazing book. Paul Sweeney said: “You know you’ve read a good book when you turn the last page and feel a little as if you have lost a friend”. If you immerse yourself in reading novels, then this feeling will be familiar to you. Look out for our reading competitions where you will get the opportunity to write a review on one of your favourite books and inspire others to read it.