{"id":24691,"date":"2023-05-30T10:38:31","date_gmt":"2023-05-30T10:38:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/?p=24691"},"modified":"2024-10-27T11:45:12","modified_gmt":"2024-10-27T17:45:12","slug":"esl-reading-comprehension-activities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-reading-comprehension-activities\/","title":{"rendered":"12 Fun ESL Reading Comprehension Activities for All Levels!"},"content":{"rendered":"<div style=\"margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;\" class=\"sharethis-inline-share-buttons\" ><\/div>\n<p>Reading is essential to boost your English learners\u2019 skills, so ESL reading comprehension activities are vital to your students&#8217; success. Some students may not be fond of reading or are daunted by the thought of running into unfamiliar words or phrases, but fret not! We\u2019ve got ESL reading comprehension activities that make reading fun and engaging for different types of English students. So without further ado, let&#8217;s dive in to some ESL reading comprehension exercises and activities!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Are you a teacher of young learners? <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/storytelling-for-young-learners-in-esl-classroom\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Learn about the power of storytelling for young learners in the ESL classroom.<\/a> <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-658f2c2d-b9f6-4a89-a3d0-7180bdf69b42\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\">Table of Contents<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column \">\n\t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-reading-comprehension-activities\/#0-how-do-you-make-your-reading-comprehension-fun-in-esl-classes\" style=\"\">How do you make your reading comprehension fun in ESL classes?<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-reading-comprehension-activities\/#4-what-activities-help-with-reading-comprehension\" style=\"\">What activities help with reading comprehension?<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-reading-comprehension-activities\/#5-esl-reading-comprehension-activities-for-beginners\" style=\"\">ESL reading comprehension activities for beginners<\/a><ul><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-reading-comprehension-activities\/#6-true-or-false-race\" style=\"\">True or False Race<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-reading-comprehension-activities\/#7-fun-story-elements\" style=\"\">Fun Story Elements<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-reading-comprehension-activities\/#8-draw-the-character\" style=\"\">Draw the Character<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-reading-comprehension-activities\/#9-vocabulary-bingo\" style=\"\">Vocabulary Bingo<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-reading-comprehension-activities\/#10-esl-reading-comprehension-activities-for-intermediate-learners\" style=\"\">ESL reading comprehension activities for intermediate learners<\/a><ul><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-reading-comprehension-activities\/#11-timeline\" style=\"\">Timeline<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-reading-comprehension-activities\/#12-text-scavenger-hunt\" style=\"\">Text Scavenger Hunt<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-reading-comprehension-activities\/#13-roll-amp-recall\" style=\"\">Roll &amp; Recall<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-reading-comprehension-activities\/#14-summary-sentence-puzzles\" style=\"\">Summary Sentence Puzzles<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-reading-comprehension-activities\/#15-esl-reading-comprehension-activities-for-advanced-learners\" style=\"\">ESL reading comprehension activities for advanced learners<\/a><ul><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-reading-comprehension-activities\/#16-predictions\" style=\"\">Predictions<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-reading-comprehension-activities\/#17-20-questions\" style=\"\">20 Questions<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-reading-comprehension-activities\/#18-detective-for-a-day\" style=\"\">Detective for a Day<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-reading-comprehension-activities\/#19-role-plays\" style=\"\">Role-Plays<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"0-how-do-you-make-your-reading-comprehension-fun-in-esl-classes\">How do you make your reading comprehension fun in ESL classes?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When it comes to practicing reading comprehension in English classes, it\u2019s not uncommon for some students to think that this activity only involves reading long texts, learning new words, and answering a couple of questions. While they do help your students practice skimming, scanning, inferring information, and many other skills, ESL reading comprehension activities don\u2019t have to be boring at all! Here are some tips on how you can turn your reading comprehension activity from mundane to fun and engaging.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"\"><div class=\"content-advertisements template1\"><div class=\"thumb\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/courses\/micro\" target=\"_blank\" class=\" \"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/mc.png\" class=\"\"><\/a><\/div><div class=\"txt\"><h5>Upskill to keep your teaching relevant with<\/h5><h3>TEFL\/TESOL Micro-credentials<\/h3><p><\/p><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/courses\/micro\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"btn-ads\">Explore Courses<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-gamify\">Gamify!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Make your reading comprehension time more engaging by turning it into games or activities that will have learners compete (in a friendly way). Instead of sticking to the usual handouts and ESL reading comprehension worksheets, you can come up with races, challenges, and many other interactive activities that will make your class more memorable and worthwhile. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Even adult learners of Business English love a good game. <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/games-teaching-business-english\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Learn more with 10 Fun &amp; Easy Games for Teaching Business English to Adults.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Online-games-JPG.jpg\" alt=\"a collage of photos showing students from young children to adult learning online.\" class=\"wp-image-24738\" style=\"width:550px;height:383px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Online-games-JPG.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Online-games-JPG-980x654.jpg 980w, https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Online-games-JPG-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Incorporating games is scientifically proven to boost memory retention and lower student stress. <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/ebooks\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Download free eBooks with game ideas for all ages!<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-choose-activities-that-will-build-important-skills\">Choose activities that will build important skills.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s more to reading comprehension than just answering questions \u2013 it also trains students to develop reading skills, such as summarizing, sequencing, drawing conclusions, and solving problems. As you develop your reading comprehension activities, you can vary them based on the skills you\u2019d like your students to work on. For instance, you can choose a game wherein students have to order events or create the correct sequence of a story they\u2019ve just read. Over time, students learn to move into higher-order thinking skills related to <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/teaching-critical-thinking-skills-esl-classroom\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">critical thinking<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition, a lot of these reading skills also serve as strategies when your learners are <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/teaching-english-test-preparation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">preparing for English proficiency tests<\/a> such as the <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/teaching-pte-test-prep\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">PTE<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/ielts-teaching-materials\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">IELTS<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/teaching-toefl-test-prep\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">TOEFL<\/a>. The reading sections of these exams typically involve long texts and various types of questions, such as finding the main idea and identifying key information, so you\u2019ll definitely want to prepare your students for these tasks!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-use-realia-and-visual-aids\">Use realia and visual aids.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Bring your reading comprehension activities to life with <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/use-realia-esl-classroom\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">realia<\/a> and visual aids such as pictures, props, diagrams, timelines, and other tools \u2013 they not only make your class activities more colorful and engaging but also help your learners comprehend what they\u2019ve read more easily, especially if they are visual learners. Also, instead of you writing or illustrating on the board (or virtual whiteboard) all the time, you can have students do these tasks for a more interactive experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"286\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/Realia.jpg\" alt=\"a teacher using realia for her online ESL class.\" class=\"wp-image-21829\" style=\"width:550px;height:404px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Realia are real-world items to help students learn vocabulary and grammar. They&#8217;re useful for students of all ages.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-what-activities-help-with-reading-comprehension\">What activities help with reading comprehension?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As long as your students are able to learn and understand your reading activity and there is a lot of interaction involved in the class, you can create your own reading comprehension tasks. Here are some activity ideas you can get inspiration from and tweak depending on the kind of learners you have:<\/p>\n\n\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 1.1em; text-align: left; --ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px;; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 448 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%230693e3&quot; d=&quot;M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L338.8 224 32 224c-17.7 0-32 14.3-32 32s14.3 32 32 32l306.7 0L233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); --ub-list-item-fa-li-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-spacing: 0px; \" class=\"wp-block-ub-styled-list ub_styled_list\" id=\"ub_styled_list-1be007ee-88b8-4336-a087-b04a2cf4c4c9\"><div class=\"ub-block-list__layout\" style=\"text-align: left; column-count: 1; --ub-list-mobile-column-count: 2; \">\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 448 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%230693e3&quot; d=&quot;M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L338.8 224 32 224c-17.7 0-32 14.3-32 32s14.3 32 32 32l306.7 0L233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-e072da2d-048a-43ac-abaa-c677bc03b948\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#0693e3\" d=\"M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L338.8 224 32 224c-17.7 0-32 14.3-32 32s14.3 32 32 32l306.7 0L233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">Pre-reading <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-vocabulary-games\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">vocabulary games<\/a> (search for the synonym, word hunt, word pairs)<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 448 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%230693e3&quot; d=&quot;M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L338.8 224 32 224c-17.7 0-32 14.3-32 32s14.3 32 32 32l306.7 0L233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-8f3ea1ee-6527-48ab-9738-744b6d6147ba\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#0693e3\" d=\"M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L338.8 224 32 224c-17.7 0-32 14.3-32 32s14.3 32 32 32l306.7 0L233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">True\/false type of activities (guessing games, races)<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 448 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%230693e3&quot; d=&quot;M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L338.8 224 32 224c-17.7 0-32 14.3-32 32s14.3 32 32 32l306.7 0L233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-572e5ef7-a46d-4ade-8711-c0bec09c4021\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#0693e3\" d=\"M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L338.8 224 32 224c-17.7 0-32 14.3-32 32s14.3 32 32 32l306.7 0L233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">Sequencing activities (drawing, picture story, puzzles)<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 448 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%230693e3&quot; d=&quot;M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L338.8 224 32 224c-17.7 0-32 14.3-32 32s14.3 32 32 32l306.7 0L233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-8895e732-22f6-4421-93a0-fdaf7163eb77\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#0693e3\" d=\"M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L338.8 224 32 224c-17.7 0-32 14.3-32 32s14.3 32 32 32l306.7 0L233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">Retelling activities (role-plays, summarizing a story)<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 448 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%230693e3&quot; d=&quot;M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L338.8 224 32 224c-17.7 0-32 14.3-32 32s14.3 32 32 32l306.7 0L233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-4740136c-5b0d-450c-b3d0-40ed552869e9\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#0693e3\" d=\"M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L338.8 224 32 224c-17.7 0-32 14.3-32 32s14.3 32 32 32l306.7 0L233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">Making predictions (guessing games, charts)<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n<\/div><\/ul>\n\n\n<p><em>Do you have students who struggle with new vocabulary? <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/teach-esl-vocabulary\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Learn some top methods for introducing new ESL vocabulary words.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-esl-reading-comprehension-activities-for-beginners\">ESL reading comprehension activities for beginners<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some ESL reading comprehension activities and exercises your beginner learners will enjoy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6-true-or-false-race\">True or False Race<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What you\u2019ll need: <\/strong>four cards, two with \u201ctrue\u201d written on them and the other two with \u201cfalse\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How to do it: <\/strong>In this game, the students compete to win as many points as possible. After the class reads the text, divide the class into two groups. Give each group a pair of \u201ctrue\u201d and \u201cfalse\u201d cards. Then, tell them that you will read out a statement based on the text they\u2019ve read and they have to raise the correct card. The first person who raises the correct card wins a point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Online variation:<\/strong> You can create your own true or false games on free, game-based learning platforms like <a href=\"https:\/\/kahoot.com\/schools-u\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kahoot!<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7-fun-story-elements\">Fun Story Elements<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What you\u2019ll need:<\/strong> a whiteboard, small cards to draw on<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How to do it: <\/strong>On the cards, draw different symbols or shapes (e.g., a heart, a circle, a smiley, etc.). Then, assign a story element to each one (e.g., heart=setting; circle=main characters). After reading the story, have each student pick a card from the pile. Then, they have to identify the story element based on the card they\u2019ve gotten.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Online variation:<\/strong> You can use the virtual whiteboard on Zoom or Skype or make use of <a href=\"https:\/\/jamboard.google.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Google Jamboard<\/a>. You can also create online cards using <a href=\"https:\/\/classmaster.io\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">digital flashcard maker platforms<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"8-draw-the-character\">Draw the Character<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What you\u2019ll need:<\/strong> a sheet of paper, pencils and\/or coloring materials<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How to do it:<\/strong> This activity can usually be done after reading a story, but you can also use it for other types of texts such as news articles and biographies. After having the class read the text, tell the students that they\u2019ll have to draw their version of the character in the story. Give them some minutes to create their drawings, which they\u2019ll have to present to the class afterward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"9-vocabulary-bingo\">Vocabulary Bingo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What you\u2019ll need:<\/strong> a whiteboard, Bingo cards (4 x 4)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How to do it:<\/strong> For this pre-reading vocabulary activity, you\u2019ll have to choose 16 words from the text and find a synonym for each. Write the synonyms on the board and have the students write the words in the boxes of their Bingo cards. Next, read out a word from the text. The students then have to look for the synonym of the word you\u2019ve read and cross it out on their Bingo cards. The first student who completes a straight vertical, horizontal, or diagonal line with four boxes should shout \u201cBingo\u201d to win.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"677\" src=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Rachel-Cordova-teaching-online.jpeg\" alt=\"an online English teacher giving her learners a thumbs up.\" class=\"wp-image-23925\" style=\"width:550px;height:389px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Rachel-Cordova-teaching-online.jpeg 1000w, https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Rachel-Cordova-teaching-online-980x663.jpeg 980w, https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Rachel-Cordova-teaching-online-480x325.jpeg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1000px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>EFL teacher Rachel Cordova offers positive feedback to students online.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"10-esl-reading-comprehension-activities-for-intermediate-learners\">ESL reading comprehension activities for intermediate learners<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some ESL reading comprehension exercises and activities that will engage your intermediate learners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"11-timeline\">Timeline<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What you\u2019ll need:<\/strong> a whiteboard, paper strips or small cards to write on<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How to do it: <\/strong>You can do this activity after reading a story, a news report, or any type of narrative text. On the board, create a timeline \u2013 you can write the dates or days in the story to guide the students. Then, on the strips of paper, write down the events described in the text.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After reading the story, have the students pick a strip of paper and place it on the correct date on the timeline. For bigger groups, you can create two copies of the paper strips, and then divide the students into two groups. Afterward, tell the groups that they have to construct the timeline of the story as a group, and the first one to complete it wins!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Online variation:<\/strong> You can create the timeline on a virtual whiteboard and have students take turns filling in the events correctly as you read them aloud. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"12-text-scavenger-hunt\">Text Scavenger Hunt<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What you\u2019ll need:<\/strong> a whiteboard<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How to do it: <\/strong>Prepare challenges or questions that will have students \u201chunt\u201d for key information in an article or text. These can be challenges related to vocabulary (e.g., \u201cLook for the synonym of &#8216;pretty&#8217; in the first paragraph\u201d) or finding key information (e.g., \u201cWhere did Joe go on Friday night?\u201d).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After reading the text, tell the students that you will read out the question or challenge and they\u2019ll have to write their answers in their notebook or on a sheet of paper. Then, announce the correct answer, and the students will confirm whether they\u2019ve found the right information. Correct answers will earn a point, and you can keep track of the students\u2019 points by writing them on the board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"13-roll-amp-recall\">Roll &amp; Recall<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What you\u2019ll need: <\/strong>a dice<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How to do it:<\/strong> Create six comprehension check questions about the text the students are going to read. Assign each question to a number (one to six) After reading, ask a student to roll the dice. Match the question with the number that the dice lands on. The student will then answer the question.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Online variation:<\/strong> For games like this that require dice, you can use <a href=\"https:\/\/freeonlinedice.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">virtual dice<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"14-summary-sentence-puzzles\">Summary Sentence Puzzles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What you\u2019ll need<\/strong>: small strips of paper<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How to do it:<\/strong> For this game, make sure to divide the text into small paragraphs. Then, write the summary of each paragraph on a strip of paper, and cut it out in between the words so that it becomes a sort of puzzle (don\u2019t forget to keep the puzzle groups separated). Then, after reading the text, give the students a puzzle group and have them rearrange the words so that they create a complete sentence. Finally, the students have to match the sentence with the right paragraph it summarizes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Online variation:<\/strong> You can use a virtual whiteboard and move words around to form sentences as a whole class. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-games-activities-kids-young-learners\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Get more fun ESL games and activities for kids and teens.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"304\" src=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/12-Fun-ESL-Reading-Comprehension-Advanced-Learners-500x304.jpg\" alt=\"teen students in a classroom, some standing, some sitting, smile and laugh while playing a game.\" class=\"wp-image-24803\" style=\"width:550px;height:354px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/12-Fun-ESL-Reading-Comprehension-Advanced-Learners-500x304.jpg 500w, https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/12-Fun-ESL-Reading-Comprehension-Advanced-Learners-480x291.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 500px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Game-based reading comprehension activities get students engaged and excited to learn.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"15-esl-reading-comprehension-activities-for-advanced-learners\">ESL reading comprehension activities for advanced learners<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Lastly, here are some reading comprehension exercises and activities to engage your advanced learners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"16-predictions\">Predictions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What you\u2019ll need: <\/strong>a whiteboard<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How to do it:<\/strong> This activity is best done for reading involving long stories or other types of sequential texts. Divide the text that you\u2019ll read in class into three or four parts (make sure the students can see only one part at a time). Then, read the first part of the text. Afterward, ask the students for their predictions for the second part. Write their predictions on the board. Then, continue reading the next part of the story. Check the predictions of each student. The predictions that are close to what is written in the text win a point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"17-20-questions\">20 Questions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What you&#8217;ll need:<\/strong> This activity doesn\u2019t require any special materials or props, but students need to have a notebook or a sheet of paper to write their questions on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How to do it:<\/strong> This activity can be applied to any type of text. After reading the text, students take turns asking their classmates questions related to the text. In turn, the other student has to answer the question. The teacher can write the questions on the board until the class has created a total of 20 questions.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"\"><div class=\"content-advertisements template1\"><div class=\"thumb\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/courses\/specialized\/teaching-english-to-young-learners\" target=\"_blank\" class=\" \"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/YLTS-Cert.png\" class=\"\"><\/a><\/div><div class=\"txt\"><h5>Qualify for more jobs and advance your skills with<\/h5><h3>Specialized Certification in Teaching Young Learners & Teens<\/h3><p><\/p><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/courses\/specialized\/teaching-english-to-young-learners\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"btn-ads\">Get Certified<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"18-detective-for-a-day\">Detective for a Day<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What you\u2019ll need: <\/strong>printed or digital handouts containing the mystery questions<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How to do it: <\/strong>This activity can be done using any text, as its goal is to build your students\u2019 skills in identifying key information and making inferences. Divide the text into three or four sections, and then tell the students that they\u2019ll be solving different mysteries as you they go along the story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before the reading activity, prepare \u201cmysteries\u201d that the students have to solve. Create questions that will have students identify key characters, solve problems, or order the events in the text. Once the students have answered all the questions correctly, you can write (or stamp, if possible) \u201cCase Closed\u201d on the paper and give them the green light to go to the next round.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"19-role-plays\">Role-Plays<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What you&#8217;ll need: <\/strong>This won\u2019t require special materials either, but students can use any props they see fit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How to do it:<\/strong> You can do this activity with a group of students using any type of narrative text. After reading, the students have to create a role-play of their own or a dialogue based on the story they\u2019ve just read. Then, they\u2019ll have to act it out (or read the dialogue) in front of the class.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>No matter how challenging reading comprehension activities may seem, there\u2019s always a way to make them more manageable and enjoyable. By trying out the activities above or creating your own reading comprehension activities, your students will see reading comprehension in a different light and will surely look forward to the next assignment!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"20-its-all-fun-and-games-earn-certification-in-games-and-activities-for-the-online-classroom-with-bridges-10-hour-micro-credentials-\"><em>It&#8217;s all fun and games! <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/courses\/micro\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Earn certification in Games and Activities for the Online Classroom with Bridge&#8217;s 10-hour Micro-credentials!<\/a><\/em><\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Reading is essential to boost your English learners\u2019 skills, so ESL reading comprehension activities are vital to your students&#8217; success. Some students may not be fond of reading or are [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":25015,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,10],"tags":[22,49,100,102,135,221,232,288,338,348],"post-language":[],"popular_posts":[],"class_list":["post-24691","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-classroom-games-activities","category-pedagogy","tag-activities","tag-classroom-activities","tag-esl-classroom","tag-esl-games","tag-games","tag-pedagogy","tag-reading","tag-teach-online","tag-teaching-methods","tag-teaching-strategies"],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/ESL-reading-comprehension-activities.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Krzl Light Nu\u00f1es","author_link":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/author\/krzlnunesgmail-com\/"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24691","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=24691"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24691\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":35469,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24691\/revisions\/35469"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/25015"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24691"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=24691"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=24691"},{"taxonomy":"post-language","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post-language?post=24691"},{"taxonomy":"popular_posts","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/popular_posts?post=24691"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}