Writing for adult English language learners

Fluent readers are able to quickly assimilate written information with previous experiences and knowledge in order to obtain the meaning intended by the author. A variety of skills appear to be necessary for successful reading, and when learning to read, we go through various developmental stages leading to reading proficiency. The reading needs of those who have not yet achieved proficiency — “language learners” such as hearing adults learning English as a second language and deaf adults — differ from the needs of fluent readers. Writers can use specific strategies to alleviate the difficulties these readers experience.