This volume, through a detailed treatment of the cognitive processes that support reading, explains how reading really works. It offers a thorough overview of important and current research, including first language research, which is not often found in second language acquisition (SLA) publications. This book is a true example of applied linguistics; it makes well-defined linkages between theory and practice, discussing the implications and applications of second language reading theories on instructional practices. It is a valuable resource and reference for action researchers, curriculum designers, teachers, administrators, and those interested in exploring theoretical issues grounded in instructional contexts.

Table of Contents

Research Foundations 1. The Nature of Reading: Defining Reading 2. How Reading Works: The basic building blocks 3. How Reading Works: The Comprehension Process 4. Models, and More Models of Reading: Explaining Reading Research Issues and the L2 Reader 5. Individual Student Variation 6. The Social Contexts of Reading 7. Motivation in Reading 8. Reading in Different Languages and L1 / L2 differences 9. Issues in Reading in a Second Language Component Abilities and Resources for L2 Reading 10. Reading and Vocabulary Development 11. Reading and Grammar 12. Discourse Structure Awareness 13. Reading Strategies 14. Becoming a Strategic Reader 15. Fluency and Reading Rate 16. Extensive Reading Institutional and Instructional Factors Influencing Reading Development 17. Reader-Writer Relations 18. Reading and Content-Based Instruction 19. Assessing Reading 20 From Theory to Practice: Designing a Curriculum GLOSSARY REFERENCES INDEX