This is a culturally engaging skills-based approach to reading. Learning to read in a second language is as much about understanding a different culture as it is about learning new grammar and vocabulary. "Reading Themes and Skills" contains original engaging readings designed to help lower-level students develop stronger academic reading skills and build American cultural literacy. Each chapter of "Reading Themes and Skills" features pre-reading activities that develop skills like predicting and building background knowledge. The chapter readings are linked by theme and followed by reading strategies and skills, which include Skill Study, Grammar in Context, Focus on Parts of Speech, and Theme Study. Each unit closes with vocabulary activities that reinforce the words practiced.