There are good reasons for using the extensive reading procedure much more than it has been used before. One could argue that students "learn to read by reading"' and that "comprehension will take care of itself". In other words, students with a certain level of ability in English can learn to read by extensive reading alone. Reading ability can improve as much with extensive reading as with skills training. At present, we cannot claim that extensive reading is sufficient for most ESP students to learn to read special English. Most likely, skills/strategies training is also necessary. However, current reading instruction centering on skills/strategies training also is not sufficient, because students do not spontaneously apply the skills presented in skill lessons: instruction and activities to encourage the development and automatic use of comprehension skills must be incorporated into daily learning routine.
The extensive reading procedure comprises just this kind of activity. In the ESP situation in particular, students do not have much opportunity to use English outside of class. Assignments of reading special texts will increase exposure to the target professional language greatly, probably much more than translation or skills assignments, which, in any case, involve much mental effort in the native language. In addition, extensive reading provides an excellent means of laying foundation for professional experience. With this procedure, teachers can expect that their students will come to skillfully read and enjoy ESP texts.