Positive and significant correlations ranging from 0.34 to 0.51 were found between self-reported pleasure reading (books, newspapers and magazines) and self-reported competence in speaking, listening, reading and writing English, among teachers in Korea whose responsibilities included teaching English as a foreign language. This result confirms…

Describes how a single positive experience in self-selected reading of children's books resulted in a profound change in attitudes toward recreational reading among Korean teachers in English as a foreign language. Concludes that after the experience, nearly all teachers reported they were interested in using sustained silent reading in their…

Describes a case study in which four adult female students of English as a Second Language participated in a free reading program for several months, reading books in the Sweet Valley series written for children and youth. Shows that all four women became enthusiastic readers and that their ability to speak and understand everyday English improved…

Narrow reading means reading in only one genre, one subject matter, or the work of one author. The case for narrow reading was first presented over twenty years ago (Krashen, 1981). Narrow reading, it was argued, has the advantage of providing the developing reader with a familiar context, that is, familiar background knowledge that helps make…

Presents results of a questionnaire filled out by international students regarding years of English study, length of residence in the United States, free reading habits in the first and second language, and television watching. Reading in English, English study in the home country, and length of residence in the United States affected students'…