Why Reading Comprehension Builds Your English Brain

If you want to think in English instead of constantly translating from Japanese, reading comprehension is one of the most effective methods. By reading many sentences in English—and learning how to break them down—you’ll naturally start developing an English brain.

Everyone, English Brain!

What You Need to Get Started

First, try setting aside Japanese-language textbooks for a while. Instead, focus on English-only materials. Short, simple, and clear sentences are the best starting point. Here are two must-have resources:

• English Grammar in Use by Raymond Murphy
• Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary (Amazon link)

These books help you learn grammar and vocabulary in English, without relying on Japanese explanations.

The Key: Subject + Predicate

Every English sentence is built around two parts: Subject (who/what) and Predicate (action or description). Understanding this makes long reading passages much easier.

Examples

• The dog is white.
• Hitoshi likes an apple.
• The big apple fell from a tree.
• A child slowly walked behind his mother.
• Our favorite idol Miyu, AKB48, left her group to become an actress.

No matter how short or long, every sentence follows the Subject + Predicate structure.

Try the Quiz!

Can you divide these sentences into Subject + Predicate? Don’t use a dictionary—just give it a try.

1. The woman is Japanese.
2. Elizabeth wants to learn German.
3. My cat smells bad.
4. The company suffered a bankrupt.
5. Clean air and a safe environment make children healthy and active.

👉 Hint: Number 5 is a little tricky.

Answer

1. The woman + is Japanese.
2. Elizabeth + wants to learn German.
3. My cat + smells bad.
4. The company + suffered a bankrupt.
5. Clean air and a safe environment + make children healthy and active.

Conclusion

To build your English brain, focus on reading long passages and identifying Subjects and Predicates. Using English-only grammar books and dictionaries will speed up your progress. Keep practicing, and you’ll find yourself thinking in English naturally.

Stay tuned for more tips on English learning in the next post!