Breaking down barriers - Englische Lektüre in einfacher Sprache

Texts in simple or simplified language have the power to enrich the EFL literary classroom. Since there is a vast number of graded readers or simple originals out there, we should benefit from them and use them to enhance reading in heterogeneous secondary classrooms. This article first outlines the ongoing discussion on the value of graded readers, especially in connection with learners’ perspectives and the aims of reading. The article then explores in detail the category of simplicity and how it manifests in young adult literature. To illustrate the practical use of simple texts, the results of selected extensive reading projects are briefly presented, along with the analysis of an exemplary literature project on Robinson Crusoe. Excerpts from guided interviews with three teachers who all carried out reading projects with graded readers are woven into the article to add experience-based knowledge.