Tugas 1 : The differences between intensive and extensive reading

Name : Ferbawanti. S (09250018)

Programs Focused on Intensive Reading

o    Intensive reading calls attention to the details of a text such as grammatical forms, literal meaning and vocabulary. Programs focused on intensive reading ask students to read shorter texts, typically under 500 words. Texts are often re-read and analyzed for meaning. The Reading Recovery Program that some school districts use to help their lowest achieving students uses many intensive reading techniques. In the program, students work with a trained Reading Recovery teacher for a half-hour per day for 12 to 20 weeks until they achieve grade level. Working with the teacher one on one, the student practices letter identification and learns the connection of words and sounds. The specialist and student discuss the reading and its meaning. Professors Stanley Swartz and Adria Klein of the U of California---San Bernadino report that the program works and is cost effective because it is a limited-time intervention.

Programs Focused on Extensive Reading

o    Extensive reading intends to provide a broad, general understanding of a text. Rather than focusing on details, it focuses on getting the gist of the reading. School programs that use parent volunteers often offer help with extensive reading. The emphasis in these programs is on reading widely. It's rather like the summer reading programs offered by public libraries. Often there is an expression component that calls for the student to either speak or write about what she has read to reflect her understanding of the reading material.

Programs That Combine Intensive And Extensive Reading

o    Not surprisingly, most teachers use a combination of intensive and extensive reading practice with their students. Once the intensive reading practice gets students to an adequate level for successfully reading on their own, they are encouraged, or required, to read widely. The overall goal is not only reading competence, but also to instill in students a love of reading as well as an appreciation for the pleasures of reading and its practical value as a tool for learning.

Reference : Rossiter, Charlie.(2007). Types of Reading Programs. Retrieved April 12, 2012, from : (http://www.ehow.com/list_6376531_types-reading-programs.html)

From the passages above, I tried to conclude that :

1.       Intensive reading is reading which involves students reading with concentration and great attention in order to understand exactly the meaning of the text. In intensive reading, short and easy text areusually used. After reading, the students are asked to answer some questions related to the text.

2.       Extensive reading is reading which involves students reading long text such as books, journals, articles, papers. The aim is for general understanding with the intention of enjoying the text. After reading, the students are asked to write a summary of the text.