Reading and Conversation

Reading properly means being able to get a sense of the entire discourse while of course understand the words as you go along. It is unproductive to try to read sentences as though you were trying to read each individual word on its own either. So the task of reading is a combination of elements that are taken together much as a classical painting is a combination of elements that are part of a greater whole and it is necessary to have a projected vision of the whole before the painting is executed, not after.

When it comes to conversational course I try to enthuse students with the benefits of reading. Have them appreciate that as you read, you speak. Perhaps the voice is not as inflected as it is when you read especially if you orate but it is much like speaking especially when one reads sentences differently from the way that questions are asked.

If there is controversy in applying reading exercises in a course stressing conversation I would even go as far as suggesting occasional writing exercises too! Both reading and writing will help to consolidate the information absorbed during a discussion. The student will see the correct placement of words in a sentence that he can rephrase during a discussion and writing his thoughts down, at least note form would be an advantage especially if he wants to be coherent as he speaks. The notes would allow him to visualize what he is about to say.