Vocabulary is a crucial element in language learning, especially for English learners. Accumulating a vast vocabulary not only enhances language proficiency but also broadens one's understanding of the world. Reading English books is an effective way to achieve this goal. In this article, we will explore the benefits of reading English books for vocabulary enrichment and provide some practical tips for readers to make the most of this valuable resource.
Firstly, reading English books exposes readers to a wide range of vocabulary. Different genres, such as novels, non-fiction, and scientific articles, contain diverse words and expressions that can help learners expand their vocabulary. According to a study published in the Journal of English for Academic Purposes, reading widely is essential for vocabulary acquisition (Ferrari, 2015). Therefore, by reading a variety of English books, learners can encounter new words and expressions that are relevant to their interests and needs.
Secondly, reading English books provides a context for understanding new words. When learners encounter a new word while reading, they can infer its meaning based on the surrounding text. This process of guessing and confirming the meaning of new words is known as the context-based vocabulary learning strategy. As stated by Nation (2012), \