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.

Separate vs Seperate

What’s the difference between them?

Separate

Meaning:

Separate means to divide or keep apart two or more things, people, or groups.

Examples:

1. We need to keep the books on separate shelves.

2. We will be living in separate apartments.

3. We should keep our personal and professional lives separate.

Seperate

Meaning:

Misspelling of the word “separate.”

Examples:

no examples

Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference

Synonyms

Antonyms

Separate

Divide

part

Join

Seperate

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 "Separate", "Seperate".

1. Remember the spelling: Separate is spelled with an 'a.'

Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words

Frequently asked questions

When to use the first word?

The first word, ‘separate’, is an adjective that is used to describe two or more things that are divided or disconnected from one another. It is often used in the phrase ‘separate but equal’, meaning that two distinct things can be considered equal even though they are not the same. For example, one could say 'The two businesses are separate but equal'.

When to use the second word?

The second word, ‘seperate’, is not a word and is a common misspelling of the adjective ‘separate’. It is often used mistakenly in place of ‘separate’, particularly in informal writing.

Do the words have the same pronunciation?

No, the words have different pronunciations. The word ‘separate’ is pronounced with a ‘p’ sound, while the misspelling ‘seperate’ is pronounced with an ‘s’ sound.

What are common mistakes associated with words ‘separate’ and ‘seperate’?

One of the most common mistakes associated with the words ‘separate’ and ‘seperate’ is using the misspelling ‘seperate’ in place of the correct ‘separate’. This mistake is particularly common in informal writing, as the ‘p’ sound of ‘separate’ can be easily confused with the ‘s’ sound of ‘seperate’. It is important to pay close attention to spelling, particularly when it comes to words that have similar pronunciations.

Fill in the gaps to check yourself

1. Please ______ the dark clothes from the white ones before washing.

2. The teacher asked the students to ______ the items into different categories.

3. Its important to ______ personal life from professional life for better work-life balance.

4. The two substances will ______ if left undisturbed for a while.

5. She decided to ______ from her partner and start her own business.

6. It is crucial to ______ facts from opinions when reading news articles.

1. Answer: separate