Reading Books - Randall's ESL Cyber Listening Lab

Level:	Topic:	Speakers:	Length:
easy	reading books	man – young girl	00:43

Pre-Listening Exercise

What kinds of books do children like to read? Where can you find cheap or discount books? Do you buy books at a bookstore or at an online bookstore?

Speak Up, Take a Stand! Instructions for Getting the Conversation Started

These statements are designed to get everyone thinking, moving, and talking! The goal is to explore ideas, share opinions, and get ready for the next part of the lesson.

In a face-to-face classroom: Read each statement aloud. If you agree, move to one side of the room; if you disagree, move to the other. Talk with your group—why do you feel that way? Then, pair students with members of the other group and have students explain their reasons. Rotate partners for more practice.
In an online classroom: Use polls, emojis, or the chat box in your online platform to show your opinion. Then, join the conversation as a group or in breakout rooms. What do others think? Do you agree or disagree with them?
For independent learners: Read each statement and think about your opinion. Then say your answer out loud and explain your reason, as if you’re talking to a classmate. This helps you get ready to speak and join real conversations in English. Consider recording your ideas and self-assess your progress.

1. Reading books is important for both children and adults.
2. Children should read books every day to improve their reading skills.
3. Adults should make time to read for fun, not just for work.
4. Picture books are just for children, not for adults.
5. Reading books helps people learn new things.
6. Adults should read books with their children to encourage reading.
7. It’s better to read physical books than to read on a screen.
8. Children should read books that match their age and interests.
9. Reading together as a family is a good way to spend time together.
10. It’s okay for adults to read children’s books if they enjoy them.

Idioms

“bookworm” = someone who loves to read
“My daughter is a bookworm, and she reads at least two hours a day.”

“be an open book” = be a person who hides nothing about your life
“Please ask me anything. I’m an open book.”

Listening Exercise

A. Listen to the recording and answer the questions.

Vocabulary Practice

Do the vocabulary quizzes with the words from the conversation for more practice:

Mixed-Up Sentence | Gap-fill Exercise | Sentence and Vocabulary Matching

Post-Listening Exercise

What are the benefits of reading to children, either in their native or second language? What types of material are best for learners of different ages to understand the content they are reading? How can students learn to read without the help of a dictionary?

Online Investigation

Reading is a popular activity. Now, many devices such as Amazon Kindle and the iPad make reading even easier. Compare these two electronic readers. How much do they cost? What are the advantages of these readers over a paperback book? Share your ideas.

See Listening Script

Back to Easy Quizzes

General Listening Quiz