Extensive Reading
Extensive Reading Assignment
In this class, students are required to select at least one book to read outside of class. Students who choose books from the Cambridge Reader series should read two of them this term. Books for extensive reading should not be too easy or too difficult. Reading them should not be "drudgery" (OK--look that one up in your dictionary); it should be enjoyable.
Why is reading for pleasure required in this class? Not surprisingly, one of the best ways to become a better reader--and writer--is to read--A LOT! Many people don't read enough, however, because they don't enjoy reading. Why don't they enjoy it? There could be many reasons, but they may get frustrated by reading material that is too difficult for them.
One key to getting more enjoyment from reading--and to reading more--is to choose material that is not too difficult for your level of English. Check out the options below and select an extensive reading book that is right for you.
One Possibility for Extensive Reading: Cambridge Readers
Cambridge Readers are stories, both original fiction and non-fiction, that are written especially for adults who are learning English. They are leveled according to the vocabulary they contain.
In this class, students are required to select at least one book to read outside of class. Students who choose books from the Cambridge Reader series should read two of them this term. Books for extensive reading should not be too easy or too difficult. Reading them should not be "drudgery" (OK--look that one up in your dictionary); it should be enjoyable.
Why is reading for pleasure required in this class? Not surprisingly, one of the best ways to become a better reader--and writer--is to read--A LOT! Many people don't read enough, however, because they don't enjoy reading. Why don't they enjoy it? There could be many reasons, but they may get frustrated by reading material that is too difficult for them.
One key to getting more enjoyment from reading--and to reading more--is to choose material that is not too difficult for your level of English. Check out the options below and select an extensive reading book that is right for you.
One Possibility for Extensive Reading: Cambridge Readers
Cambridge Readers are stories, both original fiction and non-fiction, that are written especially for adults who are learning English. They are leveled according to the vocabulary they contain.
- Cambridge Readers: Placement test. Take this placement test during the first week of classes. It will help you find your level in the Cambridge Readers series of books. Then, choose one of the books in that level to read during the term. Your instructor will order the book for you. Check below for book titles.
- Choose a Cambridge Reader. After you take the Cambridge Reader placement test, you'll know what level of reader you should try. Look at the list of books for the level you want, read the descriptions, and choose a book that sounds interesting to you. Don't choose one that is difficult for you! Click HERE to read summaries of the books at each level.
Another Extensive Reading Possibility: Biography and Autobiography
Biography is writing about the life of a real person. Autobiography is writing about yourself. For the reader, biography has long been one of the most interesting and satisfying literary genres. Here's a recent autobiography that you might enjoy.
More Biographies!
Below is a list of recent, popular biographies that you might enjoy reading. Rather than buying them, try checking for them the Chemeketa library or the Salem Public Library.
Biography is writing about the life of a real person. Autobiography is writing about yourself. For the reader, biography has long been one of the most interesting and satisfying literary genres. Here's a recent autobiography that you might enjoy.
- My Beloved World by Sonia Sotomayor. Sonia Sotomayor is the newest (and first Hispanic) member of the United States Supreme Court. Her autobiography is a best-seller. Read it and find out why.
- "A Justice Deliberates: Sotomayor on Love, Health and Family"
- "Sotomayor Found Her 'Competitive Spirit' in Gold Stars"
- Photo Essay: "From the Bronx to the Bench: The Family Photos of Justice Sotomayor"
- Listen. Sotomayor Memoir: "Don't Let a Door Stop Your"
- Book Review: Nina Totenberg reviews My Beloved World, by Sonia Sotomayor.
More Biographies!
Below is a list of recent, popular biographies that you might enjoy reading. Rather than buying them, try checking for them the Chemeketa library or the Salem Public Library.
- The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot (This was the official "Chemeketa Reads" selection last year). http://www.amazon.com/The-Immortal-Life-Henrietta-Lacks/dp/1400052181
- Life is So Good by George Dawson and Richard Glaubman link to Amazon information
- The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls (about her life) link to Amazon information
- Also, the follow up book: Half Broke Horses: A True Life Novel (about her grandmother’s life) by Jeanette Walls link to Amazon information
- Wild:From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed link to Amazon information
- The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates by Wes Moore link to Amazon information
- Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom link to Amazon information
- The Boy who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba link to Amazon information
- Zeitoun by Dave Eggers link to Amazon information
Still Another Possibility for Extensive Reading: Chemeketa Reads
Every year, members of the Chemeketa community choose a book (or books) for the entire community to read together. This year, the chosen topic is "Education and the Politics of Immigration - the Plight of Undocumented Students." Below you will find a description of the three primary Chemeketa Reads selections and a description of each one.
Chemeketa Reads 2015-16: Education and the Politics of Immigration - the Plight of Undocumented Students
The Chemeketa Reads events committee invites you to participate in the community-wide shared reading experience for all students, faculty, and staff. Please spread the word about these heartfelt stories and keep an eye out for coming events and activities on campus.
The books selected for the Chemeketa Reads project (2015-2016) illuminate the experiences of immigrant students, documented and undocumented, as they navigate the social, political, and cultural challenges of pursuing education in the United States. Hyperlinks and book summaries have been included so that you may browse at your leisure.
Selected Books:
Spare Parts: Four Undocumented Teenagers, One Ugly Robot, and the Battle for the American Dream
by Joshua Davis
Joshua Davis's Spare Parts is a story about overcoming insurmountable odds and four young men who proved they were among the most patriotic and talented Americans in this country--even as the country tried to kick them out.
In 2004, four Latino teenagers arrived at the Marine Advanced Technology Education Robotics Competition at the University of California, Santa Barbara. They were born in Mexico but raised in Phoenix, Arizona, where they attended an underfunded public high school. No one had ever suggested to Oscar, Cristian, Luis, or Lorenzo that they might amount to much--but two inspiring science teachers had convinced these impoverished, undocumented kids from the desert who had never even seen the ocean that they should try to build an underwater robot.
Breaking Through and/or Reaching Out by Francisco Jimenez
About Breaking Through: At the age of fourteen, Francisco Jiménez, together with his older brother Roberto and his mother are caught by la migra. Forced to leave their home in California, the entire family travels all night for twenty hours by bus, arriving at the U.S. and Mexican border in Nogales, Arizona.
About Reaching Out: From the perspective of the young adult he was then, Francisco Jiménez describes the challenges he faced in his efforts to continue his education. This is the story of how Francisco coped with poverty, with his guilt over leaving his family financially strapped, with his self-doubt about succeeding academically, and with separation. Once again his telling is honest, true, and inspiring.
The Distance Between Us: A Memoir by Reyna Grande
Reyna Grande vividly brings to life her tumultuous early years in this “compelling . . . unvarnished, resonant” (BookPage) story of a childhood spent torn between two parents and two countries. As her parents make the dangerous trek across the Mexican border to “El Otro Lado” (The Other Side) in pursuit of the American dream.
. . . And here's one more option:
Multnomah Public Library--Everybody Reads 2019
This year, the Multnomah (Portland) Public Library has chosen Americanah and We Should All Be Feminists, both by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, as their Everybody Reads selection for 2019. Here's a brief description of the books from the "Everybody Reads" webpage:
Americanah
Ifemelu leaves her childhood sweetheart and a troubled Nigeria to attend university in the United States. Despite her success, she is forced to grapple with what it means to be black in America, and founds a blog born of her unique perspective. Navigating the tensions of culture and race, Ifemelu becomes homesick for Nigeria and her first love, Obinze. Americanah offers a frank assessment of how our societies both strengthen and fail us as we search for meaning.
We Should All Be Feminists
The author offers readers a unique definition of feminism for the 21st century, one rooted in inclusion and awareness. Drawing extensively on her own experiences and her deep understanding of the often-masked realities of sexual politics, she explores what it means to be a woman.
Ms. Adichie will speak on Thursday, March 14, 2019 at 7:30 pm at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. Tickets are available from Literary Arts.
Every year, members of the Chemeketa community choose a book (or books) for the entire community to read together. This year, the chosen topic is "Education and the Politics of Immigration - the Plight of Undocumented Students." Below you will find a description of the three primary Chemeketa Reads selections and a description of each one.
Chemeketa Reads 2015-16: Education and the Politics of Immigration - the Plight of Undocumented Students
The Chemeketa Reads events committee invites you to participate in the community-wide shared reading experience for all students, faculty, and staff. Please spread the word about these heartfelt stories and keep an eye out for coming events and activities on campus.
The books selected for the Chemeketa Reads project (2015-2016) illuminate the experiences of immigrant students, documented and undocumented, as they navigate the social, political, and cultural challenges of pursuing education in the United States. Hyperlinks and book summaries have been included so that you may browse at your leisure.
Selected Books:
Spare Parts: Four Undocumented Teenagers, One Ugly Robot, and the Battle for the American Dream
by Joshua Davis
Joshua Davis's Spare Parts is a story about overcoming insurmountable odds and four young men who proved they were among the most patriotic and talented Americans in this country--even as the country tried to kick them out.
In 2004, four Latino teenagers arrived at the Marine Advanced Technology Education Robotics Competition at the University of California, Santa Barbara. They were born in Mexico but raised in Phoenix, Arizona, where they attended an underfunded public high school. No one had ever suggested to Oscar, Cristian, Luis, or Lorenzo that they might amount to much--but two inspiring science teachers had convinced these impoverished, undocumented kids from the desert who had never even seen the ocean that they should try to build an underwater robot.
Breaking Through and/or Reaching Out by Francisco Jimenez
About Breaking Through: At the age of fourteen, Francisco Jiménez, together with his older brother Roberto and his mother are caught by la migra. Forced to leave their home in California, the entire family travels all night for twenty hours by bus, arriving at the U.S. and Mexican border in Nogales, Arizona.
About Reaching Out: From the perspective of the young adult he was then, Francisco Jiménez describes the challenges he faced in his efforts to continue his education. This is the story of how Francisco coped with poverty, with his guilt over leaving his family financially strapped, with his self-doubt about succeeding academically, and with separation. Once again his telling is honest, true, and inspiring.
The Distance Between Us: A Memoir by Reyna Grande
Reyna Grande vividly brings to life her tumultuous early years in this “compelling . . . unvarnished, resonant” (BookPage) story of a childhood spent torn between two parents and two countries. As her parents make the dangerous trek across the Mexican border to “El Otro Lado” (The Other Side) in pursuit of the American dream.
. . . And here's one more option:
Multnomah Public Library--Everybody Reads 2019
This year, the Multnomah (Portland) Public Library has chosen Americanah and We Should All Be Feminists, both by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, as their Everybody Reads selection for 2019. Here's a brief description of the books from the "Everybody Reads" webpage:
Americanah
Ifemelu leaves her childhood sweetheart and a troubled Nigeria to attend university in the United States. Despite her success, she is forced to grapple with what it means to be black in America, and founds a blog born of her unique perspective. Navigating the tensions of culture and race, Ifemelu becomes homesick for Nigeria and her first love, Obinze. Americanah offers a frank assessment of how our societies both strengthen and fail us as we search for meaning.
We Should All Be Feminists
The author offers readers a unique definition of feminism for the 21st century, one rooted in inclusion and awareness. Drawing extensively on her own experiences and her deep understanding of the often-masked realities of sexual politics, she explores what it means to be a woman.
Ms. Adichie will speak on Thursday, March 14, 2019 at 7:30 pm at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. Tickets are available from Literary Arts.