Enhance Reading Skills with 85 Basic English Reading Passages

Finding reliable reading materials plays a crucial role in the process of improving reading skills. In this article, PREP presents to you a collection of high-quality English reading passages sourced from reputable learning materials. These English reading passages are compiled from basic to advanced levels, catering to various exams such as TOEIC, TOEFL, SAT, VSTEP, and the National High School Graduation Exam. Check them out now, Preppies!

I. What are English Reading Passages?

English reading passages are used to improve learners' reading comprehension skills. English reading materials can be dialogues, passages, articles, excerpts from books, or any text written in English.

The main goal of English reading is to help learners develop fluent reading skills and understand the content of the text. Supplementary exercises can be done to ensure a clear understanding of the given English reading material.

English reading passages can be created at different levels, ranging from easy to difficult, to suit the learners' proficiency. By selecting suitable English reading materials that match their abilities, learners can not only expand their vocabulary and grammar but also accumulate knowledge in various fields.

II. Benefits of Learning English Reading Comprehension

Engaging in English reading comprehension offers numerous benefits to learners, including:

• Enhancing Reading Skills: Reading English passages helps improve reading abilities, including reading speed and the recognition of vocabulary and grammar within different contexts.
• Expanding Vocabulary: Learning English reading materials exposes learners to new words and unfamiliar terminology, helping them expand their vocabulary and enhance their ability to use diverse language in writing and communication.
• Improving Grammar Skills: Reading materials often include various grammar rules and sentence structures. Regular reading helps learners grasp these rules and apply them to writing and speaking skills.
• Enhancing Knowledge: English reading materials often contain new and diverse information. Reading comprehension helps develop analytical thinking, synthesizing information, and gaining a deeper understanding of different topics.
• Improving Writing Skills: Reading English texts enables learners to understand how stories, essays, or reports are organized and written. This can improve their writing skills by emulating effective writing structures and styles.

III. Considerations when Choosing English Reading Passages

When selecting English reading passages to study, you should consider some important factors to ensure that you have an effective and suitable learning experience according to your proficiency level. Here are some important considerations:

• English Proficiency Level: Choose reading materials that are appropriate for your level. If you are a beginner, start with readings designed for basic learners and gradually increase the difficulty level as you gain more confidence.
• Learning Objectives: Identify your learning objectives. Do you want to improve your vocabulary, and reading comprehension skills, or explore a specific topic? Based on these objectives, choose relevant reading materials.
• Length of the Reading: For beginners or those with limited time, opt for shorter readings. Conversely, if you have experience and want to challenge yourself, you can choose longer readings.
• Source of Materials: Use reliable sources of materials. You can choose textbooks, reputable news websites, magazines, books, or high-quality blogs to read.
• Diversify the Materials: Don't focus too much on one type of material or topic. Try reading different types of materials and various topics to expand your vocabulary and overall knowledge.
• Utilize Supportive Tools: You can use a dictionary or translation applications to help you understand the meaning of new words when necessary. Below, PREP provides suggestions for some of the best English dictionaries:
  • “OALD” Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary
  • Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary
  • Oxford Collocations

IV. General English Reading Passages

To begin English reading, PREP offers English reading passages categorized into three main levels: Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced. Take your time, read attentively, and aim to understand the main ideas presented in the passages curated by PREP from trusted sources!

1. Basic level

First, let's explore English reading materials at a basic level that are suitable for those who are just starting to learn English and want to gradually improve their reading skills. You can click on the link below to access five basic-level English reading passages with detailed answer keys for practice.

DOWNLOAD BASIC LEVEL ENGLISH READING MATERIALS

2. Intermediate level

Next, let's gather and compile intermediate-level English reading passages that are slightly more advanced. These readings will also include practice exercises and answer keys for you to practice your reading comprehension skills.

DOWNLOAD INTERMEDIATE LEVEL ENGLISH READING MATERIALS

3. Advanced level

After completing the basic and intermediate level readings, you will have a solid vocabulary and improved reading skills. Now, let's conquer more advanced-level readings by clicking on the link below!

DOWNLOAD ADVANCED LEVEL ENGLISH READING MATERIALS

V. English Reading Passages for Exams

English reading passages are essential components of English exams, and they carry significant weight in exams such as IELTS, TOEIC, TOEFL, SAT, and VSTEP. Below, PREP has gathered and compiled reading materials commonly found in these exams for your reference.

1. IELTS Exam

For the IELTS exam, the reading section includes:

• 40 questions
• 3 reading passages

Below, PREP has collected IELTS reading materials from reputable sources. You can refer to them below!

DOWNLOAD IELTS READING MATERIALS

2. TOEIC Exam

For the TOEIC exam, the reading section includes:

• 100 questions
• 4 reading passages

Below, PREP has collected TOEIC reading materials from reliable sources. You can refer to them below!

DOWNLOAD TOEIC READING MATERIALS

3. TOEFL Exam

For the TOEFL exam, the reading section includes::

• 28 questions
• 2 conversations and 3 reading passages

Below, PREP has collected TOEFL reading materials from reputable sources. You can refer to them below!

DOWNLOAD TOEFL READING MATERIALS

4. SAT Exam

For the SAT exam, the reading section includes:

• 52 questions
• 5 reading passages

Below, PREP has collected SAT reading materials from reputable sources. You can refer to them below!

DOWNLOAD SAT READING MATERIALS

5. VSTEP Exam

For the VSTEP exam, the reading section includes:

• 40 questions
• 4 reading passages

Below, PREP has collected VSTEP reading materials from reputable sources. You can refer to them below!

DOWNLOAD VSTEP READING MATERIALS

6. National High School Graduation Exam (Vietnam)

For the English exam in the National High School Graduation Exam, the reading section includes:

• 12 questions
• 2 reading passages

Below, PREP has collected English reading materials specifically for the National High School Graduation Exam, which are highly reliable. You can refer to them below!

DOWNLOAD NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION EXAM READING MATERIALS

VI. English Pronunciation Practice Reading Materials

In addition to practicing pronunciation through listening skills, you can also expand your vocabulary and improve your pronunciation through English reading materials. Let's explore English pronunciation practice readings at 3 levels in English with PREP!

1. Basic Pronunciation

At the basic level, PREP has curated English reading passages with straightforward vocabulary and grammar structures. These resources are designed to help you acclimate to English pronunciation nuances and build a strong foundation. By starting with basic-level passages in English, you can familiarize yourself with common pronunciation patterns and develop a clear understanding of how words are spoken in English. This level serves as a stepping stone towards mastering more challenging sounds and expressions. Explore the link below to access the basic level English Pronunciation Practice Reading material and begin your journey to confident pronunciation.

DOWNLOAD BASIC LEVEL ENGLISH PRONUNCIATION PRACTICE READING

2. Intermediate Pronunciation

Transitioning to the intermediate level introduces you to more intricate English reading materials. These texts feature a wider range of vocabulary and grammar structures, providing opportunities to refine your pronunciation skills further. At this stage, you'll encounter words and phrases that may pose a challenge, encouraging you to practice pronouncing difficult sounds with accuracy and fluency. The intermediate level is ideal for learners who want to expand their vocabulary while honing their pronunciation techniques. Dive into the link below to access the intermediate level English Pronunciation Practice Reading material and take your pronunciation skills to the next level.

DOWNLOAD INTERMEDIATE LEVEL ENGLISH PRONUNCIATION PRACTICE READING

3. Advanced Pronunciation

For those seeking an advanced challenge, PREP offers English pronunciation practice readings that delve into complex vocabulary, nuanced grammar, and sophisticated expressions. These readings are designed to enhance not only your pronunciation but also your comprehension skills. By understanding the context and emotions conveyed in the advanced-level English paragraphs for reading, you'll be able to pronounce words with precision and authenticity. This level emphasizes fluency, intonation, and rhythm, empowering you to communicate effectively in diverse English-speaking environments. Explore the link below to access the advanced level English Pronunciation Practice Reading material and elevate your pronunciation proficiency.

DOWNLOAD ADVANCED LEVEL ENGLISH PRONUNCIATION PRACTICE READING

VII. Some Websites and Apps for English Reading Practice

In addition to reading English materials in books or PDF files that PREP has collected and compiled, you can enhance your reading skills by using specialized websites for English reading. 

Below are some quality websites and apps for English reading practice that are widely trusted. Let's explore them in more detail with PREP!

1. BBC Learning English

Link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish

BBC Learning English provides a range of English reading materials with different levels of difficulty. You can find readings on news, culture, science, and many other topics. In addition, the website offers videos and lessons related to the readings, helping you improve your listening skills and vocabulary.

2. ReadTheory

Link: https://readtheory.org/

ReadTheory is a free website that offers over 1,000 English reading passages for learners from basic to advanced levels. The website automatically adjusts the difficulty of the readings based on your performance in comprehension quizzes. This helps users learn effectively and at their appropriate level.

3. Breaking News English

Link: https://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/

This website provides English reading passages based on current news events. You can find many readings on the latest events around the world and improve your reading comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar skills. The readings are often accompanied by lectures and related exercises.

Hopefully, the article about English reading passages provided by PREP has helped you find abundant and reliable resources to enhance your reading comprehension skills. To develop your reading ability, remember to combine it with regular practice! Good luck, Preppies!