Reading with an immediate purpose can provide useful practice without feeling like an extra lesson. The material should connect with something the young person wants or needs to do.

Use real situations

Possible texts include:

• directions and travel information;

• product reviews;

• sports reports or statistics;

• a recipe;

• instructions for a game, device or practical task;

• information about an event or place;

• menus and booking details.

For example, before a journey, ask the young person to compare two routes and identify the departure time and platform. Read the denser conditions yourself if they are not relevant to the task.

Offer help without taking over. Supply a difficult word, share a long section or use audio where appropriate, then let the young person complete the useful part.

Keep the focus on the information and decision, not on correcting every error. A successful outcome might be following the recipe or choosing the right ticket, rather than reading every word aloud.

Notice which purposes and formats prompt the most independent reading. Gradually offer slightly more demanding material while keeping the activity natural. Do not turn every ordinary task into compulsory practice.