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.

Fairy vs Faerie

What’s the difference between them?

Fairy

Meaning:

A fairy is a mythical creature with magical powers, often represented as a small, delicate, and beautiful humanoid figure with wings.

Examples:

1. The little girl was fascinated by the magical fairy tale her grandmother told her.

2. The fairy godmother granted Cinderella her wish of going to the ball.

3. The garden was decorated with glittering fairy lights.

Faerie

Meaning:

Archaic. In present times it's a misspelling of the word “fairy.”

Examples:

no examples

Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference

Synonyms

Antonyms

Fairy

Sprite

pixie

There are no direct antonyms for this word.

Faerie

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

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

Tricks for mastery

Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Fairy", "Faerie".

1. Remember that fairy is more commonly used in modern day, while faerie is a more archaic spelling.

5. Remember that fairy is similar to 'dairy.'

Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words

Frequently asked questions

When to use the first word 'Fairy'?

Fairy is the word used most commonly to refer to a magical being, usually depicted as a small humanoid with wings, found in folklore and children's stories. It is also used to describe something that is small and delicate, or something that is believed to bring good luck.

When to use the second word 'Faerie'?

Faerie is a more archaic spelling of the word fairy, historically found in literature such as Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream and later works such as J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings. In modern use, it is usually preferred in fantasy settings or works of literature, while fairy remains the more common spelling in everyday use.

Do the words have the same pronunciation?

Yes, both 'fairy' and 'faerie' are pronounced the same way: /ˈfɛəri/.

What are common mistakes associated with words 'Fairy' and 'Faerie'?

One common mistake associated with these words is spelling them as 'fariy' or 'fairie'. Another mistake is using the word 'faery', which is not an accepted spelling. Additionally, some people often use the word 'fairy' to refer to a male fairy, which is incorrect; male fairies are referred to as 'fairies' or 'fays', not 'fairies'.

Fill in the gaps to check yourself

1. Once upon a time there lived a beautiful ___________ with magical powers.

2. _____ made sure that peace and harmony reigned in the kingdom.

3. ______ was known for her kind and generous heart.

4. People called her The ____________ of the Woods.

5. ______ had the power to grant wishes which made her even more popular.

6. Several stories have been written about this amazing ____________.

1. Fairy