For a long while now, work on reading in L1 has supported the notion that we learn to read by reading. In the L2 context, the benefits of reading, especially extensively, are even more pronounced. Research evidence to support this and a range of other positive effects of extensive L2 reading are summarized by Day and Bamford (1998: 34-8). Of the 12 studies discussed here, seven looked at the impact of extensive reading on L2 reading and all reported gains. There were also significant gains in affect, general language proficiency, vocabulary and writing. The findings relating to affect are especially important as they show the strong motivational benefits of extensive L2 reading programmes, with successful and enjoyable experiences motivating learners to read still further and more extensively.

In summary, these studies suggest the most effective way to produce fluent, flexible and linguistically proficient L2 readers is to provide a great deal of varied material, in the belief that it is better to read two texts once each rather than one text twice.