What technique can support Antonio, a beginner ELL, in improving his reading comprehension?

Incorporating bilingual reading materials can significantly support Antonio, a beginner English Language Learner (ELL), in improving his reading comprehension. Bilingual materials allow him to read texts in both his native language and English, which can enhance his understanding of the content. By seeing how concepts, vocabulary, and sentence structures are represented in both languages, Antonio can build connections between them and strengthen his grasp of English.

This approach not only aids in comprehension but also boosts his confidence as he learns to navigate texts. It facilitates the transfer of knowledge—recognizing familiar phrases or words in English helps him contextualize and reinforce new vocabulary. Additionally, using bilingual resources can support his cultural relevance, making the reading experience more engaging and relatable, which is crucial for maintaining motivation in the learning process.

Moreover, while the other techniques offered, such as using only English-language materials or practicing dictation, may have some merit, they do not provide the same level of support for a beginner ELL as bilingual texts do. Encouraging silent reading can help with fluency, but without comprehension strategies like those provided by bilingual materials, students may lack understanding of what they read. Thus, bilingual reading materials are particularly effective for beginners like Antonio.