How Many Spanish Words Do You Need? Vocabulary Targets for A1, A2 and B1
How many Spanish words do you need at A1, A2, and B1? The research on vocabulary coverage and the method that builds words that actually stick.
The science and method of reading for language learning
Why reading works for language acquisition, what the research says about extensive reading and comprehensible input, how graded reading compares to other methods, and why reading beats most other approaches for building lasting fluency.
11 articles
Ser vs Estar: Why Reading Works Better Than Rules
Still second-guessing ser vs estar? The rules have too many exceptions to memorise. Here's why reading Spanish builds the intuition grammar study can't.
Language Transfer Alternative: From Audio to Reading Practice
Language Transfer builds Spanish and French from first principles through audio. Lectura adds the daily reading practice that audio-only input can't develop.
Comprehensible Input: Krashen's Theory Explained (And What It Means for Learning Spanish or French)
Krashen's comprehensible input theory is the most influential framework in language learning. What the five hypotheses say and how to apply them.
Extensive Reading for Language Learning: What the Research Actually Says
Extensive reading outperforms drilling, apps, and graded texts for vocabulary and fluency. Here's what the research says and how to apply it.
The Problem With Graded Readers (And Why Adults Hate Them)
Graded readers promised fluency. For most adults, they delivered boredom. Here's why they fail — and what the research-backed alternative looks like.
Can You Learn Spanish Just by Reading? What the Research Says
Research on extensive reading is strong: reading alone can drive major vocabulary and grammar gains in Spanish — if the texts are at the right level.
Can You Learn French Through Reading Alone? An Honest Answer
Reading alone can take you surprisingly far in French — if you do it at the right level. Here's what research says and what to expect.
Comprehensible Input for Reading Spanish and French: Which Apps Actually Use It?
Which apps actually deliver comprehensible input for reading Spanish or French — and how to tell the difference between reading CI and listening CI tools.
How to Learn Spanish by Reading the News (And Why It Actually Works)
Why reading Spanish news is one of the most effective learning methods — and how to build the daily habit that drives real vocabulary growth from A1 to B1.
Reading vs Listening: Which Builds Spanish or French Fluency Faster?
Reading vs listening for Spanish and French fluency — what the research says about which builds vocabulary faster, and how to combine both for best results.