Learning a new language can be challenging, but incorporating stories into your studies is one of the most effective and enjoyable ways to enhance your English skills. Our graded readers make this process both fun and educational by introducing you to stories that have been carefully adapted to suit a range of language levels, from beginner to intermediate. Not only do they help with vocabulary and grammar, but they also expose you to different cultures and ways of thinking.
In this post, we’ll explore why learning English through stories is so beneficial and how our graded Oracle Readers can help you reach your language goals. By the end, you’ll see why students around the world love using graded readers to improve their English.
What are graded readers?
Graded readers are specially adapted books for learners of English. They are designed with simplified vocabulary, grammar structures and cultural contexts to match your language ability. This allows you to enjoy reading books while learning at a comfortable pace, with opportunities to practise and reinforce new words and concepts.
Garnet’s Oracle Readers use the expansive reading approach. This means the stories don’t just help with reading comprehension – they also serve as a springboard for broader linguistic and cultural exploration. The activities and exercises included in each book encourage students to develop all their language skills: reading, writing, speaking, listening, and even grammar and vocabulary building.
Why is reading so important for language learning?
Before diving into the specific benefits of graded readers, let’s explore why reading is such a crucial part of language acquisition.
When you read, you’re exposed to more language than through any other method. You encounter new words, sentence structures and cultural references, all in a natural and memorable context. Reading also reinforces what you already know. Seeing grammar points and vocabulary repeated in different situations helps solidify those concepts in your mind.
Moreover, reading encourages critical thinking. As you interpret and evaluate texts, you’re using higher-order thinking skills, which are essential for language mastery. And because reading is such a personal and immersive experience, it helps learners develop an emotional connection to the language, making it easier to retain what they’ve learned.
7 reasons to improve your English with graded readers
So, why should you learn English with graded readers? Let’s take a look at the reasons in more detail.
1. Enjoy classics and original stories at your level
One of the best parts about using graded readers is that they allow learners to enjoy both classic literature and new, original stories – without being overwhelmed by language that’s too difficult.
Typically, graded readers come with glossaries, comprehension exercises and game-based activities that make reading fun and manageable. Whether you’re reading a famous classic like Pride and Prejudice or an exciting original story, you’ll have the support you need to fully understand the text and check your progress along the way.
Additionally, the books are adapted specifically for different levels, ensuring that the language is accessible but still challenging enough to push your skills further. This balance between comprehension and challenge is key to effective language learning.
2. Improve reading fluency and speed
Reading frequently is one of the most powerful ways to improve your fluency. The more you read, the more comfortable you’ll become with English, and the faster you’ll be able to process and understand the text.
Graded readers help you practise reading at a level just beyond your current abilities. This slight challenge encourages you to read more quickly and naturally over time. You’ll also begin to recognize common words and phrases faster, improving your overall reading speed.
By practising with texts that aren’t too easy or too hard, you’re creating the perfect conditions for improving your fluency without getting discouraged or overwhelmed. And because the stories are interesting and engaging, you’ll be motivated to keep reading – and improving.
3. Expand your vocabulary naturally
One of the key advantages of reading is that it exposes you to new words and phrases in context. This is much more effective than simply memorizing vocabulary lists because you’re seeing how words are used in real-life situations. When you encounter a word several times in different contexts, it sticks with you.
Graded ELT readers ensure that you’re constantly expanding your vocabulary by introducing new words and idiomatic expressions. The included activities, like crosswords, true or false activities and gap fills, further reinforce what you’ve learned and help you practise using the words in different ways.
What’s more, each Garnet Oracle Reader offers a specific number of headwords – a word with an entry in the dictionary – according to each level, and these will often be repeated, giving you the chance to familiarize yourself with them while reading the stories. Level one, for example, presents around 400 headwords, Level two 750, Level three 1,000, Level four 1,250 and Level five 1,500.
4. Build confidence through autonomous reading
Reading is an empowering activity because it allows students to learn at their own pace. With our graded readers, you can choose the stories that interest you most and work through them on your own schedule. This freedom not only helps you feel more in control of your learning but also builds confidence as you see how much progress you’re making.
The variety of exercises included with each graded reader allows you to check your understanding as you go, giving you a sense of accomplishment and motivation to keep improving. The autonomy to choose what you read and how you approach it makes the learning experience more personal and enjoyable.
5. Boost motivation with interesting stories
When we are engaged with the material, we’re likely to be more motivated to keep reading. Graded readers typically offer a wide range of stories – from historical fiction to contemporary drama to light-hearted mysteries – so you can find something that truly interests you.
The key to language learning is consistency, and if you’re excited to find out what happens next in the story, you’re more likely to read regularly. As your reading improves, you’ll also gain the confidence to tackle more complex texts, creating a positive cycle of motivation and progress.
And remember, the more you read, the better you get – not just at reading, but at using English in all aspects of communication.
6. Develop overall language skills
Reading is a gateway to practising all other language skills. With graded readers, you’re not just improving your reading comprehension. You’ll also practise writing skills if you choose to complete the accompanying exercises or create a personal written summary after completing each chapter. Furthermore, if working with a friend or group of other language learners, you can practise speaking and listening skills by discussing the stories.
By engaging with the text in multiple ways, you’re developing a well-rounded command of the English language.
7. Gain cultural insights and empathy
One of the most exciting aspects of learning through stories is the cultural knowledge you gain. Garnet’s graded readers take you to different times, places and social situations, giving you a window into cultures and experiences that may be different from your own.
Reading about characters from different backgrounds also helps you develop empathy and a broader understanding of the world. You’ll learn about social conventions, historical events, social change and cultural beliefs, all while improving your language skills. This cultural awareness is a key component of becoming a truly global citizen, which is especially valuable in today’s interconnected world.
The bottom line
If you’d like to improve your English reading skills, then Garnet’s Oracle Readers are a good place to start. Available at four stages, these readers are carefully graded lexically and structurally to encourage you to read for pleasure and at speed. Each story contains beautiful illustrations and pictures, supporting material and activities, and an easy-to-use glossary.
So why wait? Start reading today, and experience the magic of learning English through stories.