There is ample evidence that reading not only strengthens second language vocabulary, but also expands it as readers meet words, or the same word, in different contexts. After all, that is the way lexical vocabulary is acquired in real life, through hearing it in our first languages.

    Apart from learning vocabulary, learners also learn new structures, which can form a strong scaffolding both for learning other new structures and introducing grammatical items to a class.

     In listening to each other read, discuss points in groups, debate, or answer and their rationale, second language learners will sharpen both listening and speaking skills.

     There is no magic bullet, no single explanation for what teachers can do to ensure that their students learn to read a second or foreign language. Practice and plenty of it may be the only way out. 

J. Kembo. Using short texts to teach English as second language. Rongo University, Kenya. Universal Journal of Educational Research 4(12): 2735-2743, 2016 (adapted).