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.

Elfs vs Elves

What’s the difference between them?

Elfs

Meaning:

This is a frequent misspelling of the word 'elves.'

Examples:

no examples

Elves

Meaning:

Fantasy creatures, usually depicted as small human-like beings with pointy ears, who possess magical powers.

Examples:

1. Santa's elves were busy wrapping gifts in the workshop.

2. The elves were singing carols as they decorated the tree.

3. Tiny elves peeped out from behind the presents under the tree.

Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference

Synonyms

Antonyms

Elfs

This word doesn't exist, so there are no synonyms for it.

This word doesn't exist, so there are no antonyms for it.

Elves

1. Pixies

2. Fairies

3. Sprites

4. Woodland folk

5. Little people

1. Dwarves

2. Humans

3. Giants

4. Monsters

5. Oppressors

Tricks for mastery

Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Elfs", "Elves".

1. The distinction between the two words is that 'elfs' is not a word, while 'elves' is.

2. The word 'elves' rhymes with 'shelves', making it easy to remember.

Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words

Frequently asked questions

In what situations should the first word be used?

The word 'elfs' is a common misspelling and should be avoided.

When is the appropriate context for using the second word?

The word 'elves' is typically used when referring to the small human-like creatures found in many Christmas-related stories and legends.

Do the two words share the same pronunciation?

No, the two words do not share the same pronunciation. 'Elfs' is pronounced with a short 'e' sound, whereas 'elves' is pronounced with a long 'e' sound.

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

A common mistake people make when using these words is confusing them. People often mistakenly use 'elfs' when they should use 'elves.'

Fill in the gaps to check yourself

1. She was so small, she believed she was an _______ just like in the fairy tales.

2. He was a big fan of Tolkiens Lord of the Rings and collected figurines of _______.

3. The _______ on the shelf were so lifelike, they almost seemed real.

4. At the Christmas party, the kids were delighted to see a pair of _______.

5. She had been warned about the _______ that supposedly lived in the woods.

6. As part of the school play, the kids dressed up as _______.

1. She was so small, she believed she was an Elves just like in the fairy tales.

Explanation: The word Elves is the plural form of Elf, thus it is the correct word to fill the gap.

2. He was a big fan of Tolkiens Lord of the Rings and collected figurines of Elves.