How can I learn English by reading?

The answer depends on your current skills and how well you learn from books and online content. Reading helps you develop vocabulary, understand the structure, and pick up nuances of punctuation and grammar from seeing how others use it. You can learn simply by engaging in active reading while trying to improve your language skills.Some people can absorb English from textbooks and develop incredible skills from reading alone. However, they’re incredibly rare, and you’ll most likely need some help and advice on your journey to fluency.If you choose to take a Promova English class, reading will also be combined with other activities to help you develop overall comprehension. For example, you’ll interact with a certified tutor who will ask you questions about the text and your opinions, improving your communication skills and expression.

How can I practice English reading comprehension?

There are several ways to improve your comprehension:Ask Questions. Start your reading with a quick skim of the upcoming text to prepare for what you’re about to read. After reading a section, quickly go through it again to see if there’s anything you missed.Skim and re-read. Start your reading with a quick skim of the upcoming text to prepare for what you’re about to read. After you’re done reading a section, quickly go through it again to see if there’s anything you missed.Look for context. Texts don’t exist in isolation and usually have many references, history, or related materials. If you can find out where the author is coming from, you can understand ideas much more quickly.Improve fluency. Spend time sharpening other skills such as listening, speaking, and writing. You can get back to reading later with a new vocabulary and awareness of the language.Lastly, taking English reading and writing classes can help you see the language from various angles and develop better comprehension by engaging with a teacher and getting feedback.

What types of English reading can I learn?

We separate reading into three types based on your purpose - why you might be doing it:Skimming. You’re reading for gist - to get the main ideas from the text. For example, you might be deciding whether a book is worth buying by skimming different chapters to see if it interests you.Scanning. You’re reading to get something in particular from the text and retain specific information. For example, you might be reading a restaurant menu trying to find a dish with shrimps in it, then you’re scanning through the text for the word ‘shrimp’.Intensive reading. You’re reading for detailed comprehension. For example, you’ve received an email from a friend who has just relocated to Canada in which he or she is telling you about their first few weeks in this country. In this case, you might be interested in all the details and even some hidden nuances and inferences, so you will be reading for detail.Extensive reading. You’re reading easy, enjoyable texts without focusing on details or doing any comprehension tasks or examining the text for vocabulary or grammar. This type of reading helps build up fluency by getting used to the language.Learning all the above techniques can help you adjust your reading style and speed depending on your purpose.

Ambiance vs Ambience

What’s the difference between them?

Ambiance

Meaning:

The atmosphere or prevailing tone of a place or situation.

Examples:

1. The cozy restaurant had a warm and inviting ambiance.

2. The dimly lit bar had a relaxed ambiance that made it a great place to hang out.

3. I could feel the romantic ambiance as soon as I stepped foot inside the restaurant.

Ambience

Meaning:

Meaning is the same.

Examples:

1. The restaurant had a cozy ambience, perfect for a romantic dinner.

2. The gentle music and scented candles created a calming ambience in the room.

3. The dim lighting gave the bar an inviting ambience.

Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference

Synonyms

Antonyms

Ambiance

1. Atmosphere

2. Mood

3. Aura

4. Vibe

1. Unpleasantness

2. Noisiness

3. Ugliness

4. Unsociability

5. Discomfort

Ambience

1. Atmosphere

2. Mood

3. Aura

4. Vibe

1. Unpleasantness

2. Noisiness

3. Ugliness

4. Unsociability

5. Discomfort

Tricks for mastery

Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Ambiance", "Ambience".

1. Both spellings are correct.

2. You may use any spelling in all contexts without doubts.

Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words

Frequently asked questions

In what situations should the word 'Ambiance' be used?

Ambiance is typically used to describe the atmosphere or emotional feeling of a certain place or situation. For example, a restaurant might have an inviting ambiance, or you might describe the ambiance of a summer night as peaceful.

When is the appropriate context for using the word 'Ambience'?

Ambience is a related term used to describe the atmosphere or emotional feeling of a certain place or situation. It also has a slightly more formal connotation than ambiance. For example, you might describe the ambience of a high-end restaurant as sophisticated.

Do the two words share the same pronunciation?

Yes, the two words are pronounced the same way. They are both pronounced /æmˈbiəns/ with a short ‘a’ sound followed by a long ‘e’ sound.

What are some common mistakes people make when using these words?

Since these words share the same meaning and pronunciation, there are no mistakes in their usage.

Fill in the gaps to check yourself

1. The restaurant had a pleasant ___________, which made for a wonderful evening.

2. The ___________ of the old library was eerie and mysterious.

3. The ___________ of the beach was particularly beautiful at sunset.

4. She was enchanted by the ___________ of the garden.

5. The ___________ of the party was lively and cheerful.

6. The museum had a calming ___________.

1. Ambiance/ambience.