This edition of Focus on reading updates and extends the first edition. At the same time, it retains the original aims of the first edition - to provide an introductory and practical handbook on the teaching of reading for trainee teachers of English as a second language or foreign language and for anyone wishing to develop their skills in this area.

The eight chapters in the book cover:

the nature and processes of reading
a review of theories which have informed the teaching of reading
an overview of reading pedagogy from needs analysis to task sequencing and selection
practical ideas on how to choose reading texts and activities
methods of assessing reading development
questions commonly asked about the teaching of reading.

The practical approach of the book is emphasised through prereading questions at the beginning of each chapter, which invite readers to examine their own teaching experiences, and reflection tasks throughout the text, which draw on readers' understandings of the information provided in each chapter. Chapter summaries draw together the main concepts and themes discussed and suggestions for further reading are provided for readers wishing to explore the topic in more detail.

All three authors have had many years of experience as teachers, teacher educators and researchers in the fields of ESL, literacy education and applied linguistics.