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.

Run Amok vs Run Amuck

What’s the difference between them?

Run Amok

Meaning:

Go wild; behave wildly and violently, out of control.

Examples:

1. The teacher was unable to quiet the rowdy students who were running amok in the classroom.

2. The townspeople were frightened when the madman ran amok in the streets.

3. All of the animals in the zoo started running amok when the power went out.

Run Amuck

Meaning:

old-fashioned spelling of 'run-amok.'

Examples:

no examples

Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference

Synonyms

Antonyms

Run Amok

1. Go Berserk

2. Run Wild

3. Rake Havoc

4. Galavant

5. Rampage

1. Stand Still

2. Follow Instructions

3. Conform

4. Obey Rules

5. Abide by Regulations

Run Amuck

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 "Run Amok", "Run Amuck".

1. 'Run amok' is the more contemporary and widely accepted spelling. Think of it as the 'OK' version - am'ok'.

2. 'Amuck' is the older, archaic form of the term. Remember it by associating 'uck' with 'antique' or 'old-fashioned.'

Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words

Frequently asked questions

In what situations should the first word be used?

'Run Amok' should typically be used when referring to a situation in which someone or something is causing chaos or behaving in a wild, uncontrolled manner.

When is the appropriate context for using the second word?

'Run Amuck' is an old-fashioned spelling and should be avoided.

Do the two words share the same pronunciation?

No, the two words actually have different pronunciations. 'Run Amok' is pronounced 'run ah-mok' and 'Run Amuck' is pronounced 'run ah-muhk'.

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

One of the most common mistakes people make when using these words is confusing the two. Although they have similar meanings, they have different pronunciations and are spelled differently. Additionally, some people may mistakenly use 'Run Amuck' when they should be using 'Run Amok'.

Fill in the gaps to check yourself

1. After being cut off in traffic, the angry driver began to _________ through downtown.

2. The new student was so eager to impress the teacher that she ended up _________ in the classroom.

3. After winning the tournament, the young athlete _________ around the stadium.

4. The escaped convict was _________ through the streets of the town.

5. The children _________ through the woods, screaming with joy.

6. When the music started, the guests _________ out of the room.

1. Run amok

Explanation: This phrase means to behave in a wild and uncontrolled way, which fits the context of the angry driver.

2. run amok

Explanation: This phrase means to behave in an uncontrolled and violent way, which fits the context of the eager student.

3. Ran amok

Explanation: This phrase means to behave in a wild and uncontrolled way, which fits the context of the young athlete.

4. ran amok

Explanation: This phrase means to behave in an uncontrolled and violent way, which fits the context of the escaped convict.

5. Ran amok

Explanation: This phrase means to behave in a wild and uncontrolled way, which fits the context of the children running through the woods.

6. ran amok

Explanation: This phrase means to behave in an uncontrolled and violent way, which fits the context of the guests running out of the room.

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Download the PDF with a list of commonly confused words made as flashcards for comfortable learning.

List of Commonly Confused Words

Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.

Affect vs. Effect Analysis vs. Analyses Greatful or Grateful Center vs. Centre Loss vs. Lost Seat vs. Sit

Run Amok vs Run Amuck

Run Amok

Meaning:

Examples:

Run Amuck

Meaning:

Examples:

Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference

Tricks for mastery

Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words

Frequently asked questions

In what situations should the first word be used?

When is the appropriate context for using the second word?

Do the two words share the same pronunciation?

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

Fill in the gaps to check yourself

List of Commonly Confused Words

How to pronounce

Grammar Articles

What part of speech