Reading with understanding is one of the most important communicative skills a successful learner of a language needs to practise. Practising the skill of reading with understanding is as important as mastering listening and speaking skills. However, teachers may find the attempts to develop it difficult because students prefer to watch films, listen to the radio and talk to native speakers rather than read books and newspapers. It is easier and, without doubt, more interesting to watch a film, listen to a radio programme or talk to somebody, all of which are faster than reading a text.