The reader applies many strategies to reconstruct the meaning that the author is assumed to have intended. What is reading? Reading is a conscious and unconscious thinking process. Understanding some important facts about reading, literacy, and teaching methods is essential for providing effective instruction in reading. Reading instruction, therefore, is an essential component of every second-language curriculum. After all, reading is the basis of instruction in all aspects of language learning: using textbooks for language courses, writing, revising, developing vocabulary, acquiring grammar, editing, and using computer-assisted language learning programs. Effective reading is essential for success in acquiring a second language. She is the author of A Short Course in Teaching Reading Skills and co-author of the Reading Power series. In addition to teaching reading, writing, and ESL, she has worked as a teacher-trainer in the Harvard University Summer ESL Program, in the Simmons College MATESL Program, and in Moscow, Russia. Beatrice Mikulecky holds a master s degree in TESOL and a doctorate in Applied Psycholinguistics from Boston University. 1 Teaching Reading in a Second Language By Beatrice S.
