The Reading Success Second Edition series, authored by Ken Methold and Pieter Koster, is an outstanding collection of six books designed to help middle school students enhance their English reading fluency. Geared toward learners at the A2 to B1 proficiency levels, this series offers a carefully structured approach to developing reading skills through a variety of genres and engaging exercises. Whether used in the classroom or for self-study, Reading Success is an ideal resource for students looking to strengthen their English reading abilities.

What is the “Reading Success Second Edition” Series?

The Reading Success series is a dynamic collection aimed at improving reading comprehension and vocabulary retention for middle school students learning English. Covering levels from A2 to B1, the series includes six volumes that progressively increase in difficulty, providing a comprehensive learning pathway for students to follow. These books introduce a diverse range of text types, including stories, dialogues, charts, letters, diaries, advertisements, and more. By exposing students to different writing styles and formats, the series ensures that they are well-prepared to handle real-life reading tasks in academic, professional, and social contexts.

Key Features of the Series

1. Diverse Text Types
   One of the standout features of the Reading Success series is its inclusion of a wide range of text types. Each book incorporates stories, factual texts, dialogues, and other genres that reflect real-life communication. By reading a variety of text formats, students are not only exposed to different writing styles but also learn how to interpret and analyze different forms of written English. This variety keeps students engaged and helps them develop a broader understanding of language use in various contexts.
2. Controlled Vocabulary and Grammar
   The Reading Success series takes a gradual and structured approach to language development, ensuring that the vocabulary and grammar used in each reading passage are carefully controlled. The vocabulary is introduced and reinforced in a systematic manner, allowing students to practice reading fluently without feeling overwhelmed by difficult or unfamiliar words. The grammatical structures used in the texts are also appropriate for learners at the A2 and B1 levels, making it easier for students to comprehend and retain the material.
3. Comprehension and Vocabulary Exercises
   Each reading passage in the Reading Success series is accompanied by exercises that reinforce vocabulary and test comprehension. These exercises include vocabulary reviews, multiple-choice questions, and open-ended questions that encourage students to think critically about the text. These activities not only help students deepen their understanding of the material but also encourage them to engage with the text in a more thoughtful and analytical way.
4. Model Summary Passages
   Another valuable feature of the Reading Success series is the inclusion of model summary passages. In these exercises, students are tasked with filling in blanks with key vocabulary, helping them practice summarizing information. Summarizing is an essential skill in academic settings, and these activities provide students with the opportunity to develop this skill while reinforcing their vocabulary knowledge. This helps students consolidate their understanding of the material and practice effective information synthesis.
5. Full-Color Illustrations
   To further engage students and enhance their understanding of the reading material, each book in the Reading Success series includes vibrant, full-color illustrations. These visuals provide context for the reading passages and help students visualize the content, which is especially helpful for younger learners or visual learners. The combination of text and images makes the reading experience more enjoyable and easier to comprehend.
6. Audio Support
   The Reading Success series also includes audio recordings for each reading passage. This feature allows students to listen to the text while reading along, supporting different learning styles. The inclusion of audio reinforces pronunciation, fluency, and listening comprehension, which further enhances students’ overall language proficiency. This multimodal approach caters to auditory learners and helps students improve their listening and speaking skills as well as their reading abilities.

In-Depth Look at Each Volume

The Reading Success series is divided into six levels, each designed to cater to students at different stages of their English reading development:

• Reading Success Book 1 (A2): The first book introduces simple texts that build students’ confidence in reading. The engaging stories and basic vocabulary make it an ideal starting point for students who are new to reading in English.
• Reading Success Book 2 (A2): Building on the first book, this volume features more varied texts with slightly more complex narratives. The vocabulary continues to grow, and the comprehension exercises help students think critically about the material.
• Reading Success Book 3 (A2+): This book introduces more advanced reading passages that explore deeper themes of everyday life and culture. It challenges students to apply their reading strategies to different contexts and encourages critical thinking.
• Reading Success Book 4 (A2+): Book 4 focuses on fluency with a mix of informational texts, such as charts and graphs, as well as narratives. This volume helps students engage with both fiction and non-fiction texts, strengthening their reading abilities.
• Reading Success Book 5 (B1): As the series progresses, this book introduces more sophisticated themes and texts that challenge students’ reading skills. The comprehension exercises push students to make connections and analyze the content in greater detail.
• Reading Success Book 6 (B1): The final book in the series consolidates everything students have learned. It focuses on critical reading and analysis, helping students evaluate information and draw inferences, preparing them for advanced reading tasks in academic and professional settings.

Benefits of the “Reading Success” Series

1. Engagement Through Variety
   The diversity of genres and themes ensures that students remain motivated and interested in reading. This is especially important for middle school learners who may otherwise lose interest in reading tasks. The variety of texts helps maintain students’ attention and keeps the learning process enjoyable.
2. Structured Learning Pathway
   The gradual increase in difficulty throughout the series allows students to build upon previous knowledge and progress confidently through the levels. This structured learning pathway ensures that students gain the necessary skills to tackle more complex texts in the future.
3. Practical Skills Development
   By focusing on vocabulary acquisition, reading strategies, and comprehension skills, the Reading Success series prepares students for real-world reading tasks. These practical skills are essential not only for academic success but also for everyday communication in English.
4. Support for Different Learning Styles
   The multimodal approach—combining text, audio, and illustrations—supports various learning styles. Whether students are visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learners, they will benefit from the diverse resources offered in the series.

Conclusion

The Reading Success Second Edition series by Compass is an invaluable resource for middle school students looking to improve their English reading fluency. With its engaging texts, controlled vocabulary, and comprehensive exercises, this series provides students with the tools they need to become proficient readers. The structured approach and variety of genres keep students motivated, while the inclusion of audio and visual support ensures that all learning styles are catered for. Overall, Reading Success is an excellent tool for students and teachers alike, providing the foundation for successful language learning.