The easiest way for a ESL student to read an English book is to read and understand the words but they can’t form sentences and learn about the main idea. There are 10 main literacy concepts that every reader should be aware of when reading to fully appreciate the book. These concepts will be featured in our Novel Study Unit courses. Do check out our listings regularly for updates. Once you grasp the knowledge of these 10 concepts, reading on your own will be so enjoyable that you can’t put the book down.
1. Genre 体裁
French word origin, means “a kind”. The genre can mean types of different writings like poetry, fiction, essay or drama. It can also mean different types of stories for example adventure, science fiction or biography.
2. Plot 剧情
Usually there are three parts : beginning, middle and end. In the beginning, we learn about the problems that main characters have. The middle part will hit the climax where the story is at its most intense. Then we see the resolution to the problem at the end of the story.
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3. Setting 故事背景
This is the easiest part – time, place and environment. Many books use imagery to describe their surrounding in which the setting takes place.
4.Point of View/Narrator 查看点/讲述
These are the voices in the story, using the first person, third person or a narrator that usually don’t appear in the story.
5.Main Characters 人物
The way the author makes the people come alive and real to the reader.
6.Symbol 符号
An object, image, person or incident that provides additional meaning and depth to the story. It could be written in an abstract form for readers to relate significant meaning to the book.
7.Metaphor/Simile 隐喻/比喻
Metaphors are used when the author is comparing two unrelated things whereas simile make direct comparisons on two matters.
8.Theme 主题
The central idea in a plot. Themes give us a point to link the characters, setting, symbols, metaphors together. It is usually an abstract idea which will be revealed indirectly throughout the book using imagery, metaphors or similes.
9.Imagery 画面
If we have never been to the place where the setting is in the book, how do we imagine what it is like? For a reader to imagine and put himself/herself in the main character’s shoes, authors use description to show the surroundings.
10.Style 作者风格
After reading the book, the author tries to influence the readers using the characters, plot, symbol, metaphors about a certain issue or event.
And there you have it. Try it next time on your own by applying the 10 tips on your next English book.