A graded reader is a book that's specially designed for learners of a foreign language. The phonetic transcription of "graded reader" is /ɡreɪdɪd riːdər/. The first syllable, "grade," is pronounced with a long a sound, like the word "gray." The second syllable, "ded," uses the short e sound as in "bed," and the final syllable, "er," has a schwa sound, like the word "the." So, the correct pronunciation of "graded reader" is "GRAY-did REE-dur." Picking up a graded reader is one of the ways people can improve their reading skills of a foreign language.
A graded reader, also known as a graded book or simplified reader, is a type of literary material specifically designed to assist language learners in improving their reading skills. Graded readers are created by adapting and simplifying existing texts, such as novels or short stories, in order to make them accessible to learners of various proficiency levels.
The primary goal of a graded reader is to provide learners with engaging and comprehensible content that suits their language level. These materials are carefully graded, or leveled, by difficulty, typically following a standardized system, such as the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Graded readers are categorized into different levels such as beginner, elementary, intermediate, or advanced, reflecting the linguistic complexity and vocabulary range of the text.
Graded readers often incorporate language learning features, such as glossaries or footnotes, to aid learners in understanding unknown words or phrases. These books may also include comprehension exercises or discussion questions to enhance reading comprehension and promote active learning.
Due to their modified language and controlled vocabulary, graded readers provide learners with the opportunity to build their reading skills and gain confidence in tackling longer, authentic texts. They offer a bridge between traditional textbooks and authentic literature, helping learners gradually transition to reading unadapted materials.
Overall, graded readers serve as valuable resources for language learners to develop their reading abilities, expand their vocabulary, and foster a deeper understanding of the target language and its cultural context.
The term "graded reader" is formed by combining the words "graded" and "reader".
1. Graded: The word "graded" comes from the verb "grade", which originated from the Latin word "gradus", meaning "step" or "degree". In English, "grade" refers to assigning a rank or level, especially based on quality or difficulty. Therefore, in the context of "graded reader", "graded" indicates that the reading material is categorized or organized based on difficulty levels.
2. Reader: The word "reader" evolved from the Old English word "raedan", meaning "to advise" or "to interpret". In the context of "graded reader", "reader" refers to the person who reads or an anthology of reading materials for language learners.
When combined, "graded reader" refers to a collection of reading material that is categorized or leveled according to the learner's language proficiency.