Business English reading comprehension

TOP TIP! Improving your reading comprehension

We've prepared a list of five useful tips to help improve your reading comprehension of business English:

Read authentic business materials regularly
What to do:
Read real-world business texts such as emails, reports, proposals, contracts, articles, and case studies—not simplified ESL texts.
Why it works:
Authentic materials reflect real vocabulary, tone, and structure used in the workplace.
How to practice:
• Start with shorter texts (emails, memos)
• Move to longer ones (reports, white papers)
• Read a variety of formats and topics
Examples of materials:
• Internal company emails
• Business news articles
• Annual reports and executive summaries

Learn to skim for gist and scan for details
What to do:
Practice skimming (reading quickly for the main idea) and scanning (looking for specific information).
Why it works:
In business, you often don't have time to read everything carefully. These skills improve speed and efficiency.
How to practice:
• Skim headings, introductions, and conclusions first
• Scan for dates, numbers, names, and key terms
• Read carefully only the most relevant sections
Example:
Skim a report to understand the overall message, then scan to find deadlines or action items.

Build business vocabulary and recognize collocations
What to do:
Focus on common business terms, collocations, and fixed expressions rather than single words.
Why it works:
Business texts often repeat standard word combinations that signal meaning and tone.
Examples:
• “market share”
• “cost reduction”
• “long-term strategy”
• “regulatory compliance”
Practice tip:
Highlight recurring phrases and record them in a vocabulary notebook with example sentences.

Pay attention to text structure and signposting language
What to do:
Notice how business texts are organized and look for signal words that guide the reader.
Why it works:
Understanding structure helps you follow arguments, identify priorities, and anticipate information.
Common signposting language:
• “The purpose of this report is...”
• “In contrast to...”
• “As a result...”
• “The following recommendations...”
Practice tip:
Outline the text after reading using headings or bullet points.

Use active reading strategies
What to do:
Engage actively with the text by asking questions, making notes, and summarizing.
Why it works:
Active reading improves focus, retention, and critical understanding.
Techniques to use:
• Before reading: Predict content from the title
• During reading: Underline key points and write short notes
• After reading: Summarize the text in your own words
Practice example:
After reading a business article, answer:
• What is the main issue?
• What evidence or data supports it?
• What action is recommended?

(c) 2007-2026 BusinessEnglishSite.com (a division of LearnEnglishFeelGood.com). All rights reserved. Please read our content policy before sharing our content.