Comprehensible Input: How to Choose the Right English Material for Your Level (Simple Guide)

What Is Comprehensible Input?

You open your phone to practice English. The first video is too slow and boring. The second video is too hard. You feel frustrated and close the app.

This happens to everyone. The secret is simple: pick English input that is not too easy and not too hard. Just right for you.

Comprehensible input means material you mostly understand with just a few new words.

How the i+1 Principle Works

Teachers use a simple idea called i+1 language learning.

i = what you know now
+1 = one small new thing

The best number: Try to understand 80-90% of what you read or hear.

Less than 80%? Too hard. You will feel lost.
More than 90%? Too easy. You won't learn much.

The 80-90% spot is perfect for frustration-free English learning.

Testing English Materials: Quick 3-Question Test

Before you watch a video or read an article, ask yourself:

1. Do I understand the main idea?

2. Can I guess new words from the story?

3. Do I feel interested, not frustrated?

If you answer yes to most questions, this material is good for you.

If you feel confused, find something easier.
If it feels too easy, try something harder.

This simple test saves you time.

Context Clues for ESL Learners

Your brain learns better with help. Look for materials with context clues ESL beginners can use:

Videos with pictures:

• Cooking videos (you can see the food)

• TV shows (you can see faces and feelings)

• Product videos (things you already know)

Text with help:

• Pictures

• Bold words

• Simple headings

Real story: One student worked in marketing. She felt bored by beginner podcasts. She watched a short video about a smartphone she used every day. Because she knew the phone, new words were easy to guess. Two weeks later, she used a phrase from that video at work.

The lesson: Pick things you care about. You will remember better.

Building Small Learning Habits

Pick things you enjoy. Love soccer? Watch short game videos. Like cooking? Read simple recipes.

Easy tips for choosing English input:

Don't look up every new word:

1. Watch or read once (understand the main idea)

2. Look up only 1-3 important words

3. Guess the other words

Use simple tools:

• Watch with subtitles first, then without

• Make the video slower (0.8x speed)

• Repeat what you hear (shadowing)

• Record your voice

Your Easy Weekly English Plan

Here's a simple week plan for English learners. Use one short video (1-2 minutes):

Day 1: Pick a video. Ask the 3 questions.
Day 2: Watch again. Repeat 2 sentences.
Day 3: Read the words. Circle 2 useful phrases.
Day 4: Record yourself talking about the video (30 seconds).
Day 5: Use 1 new phrase in a text message.
Day 6: Repeat a new sentence from the video.
Day 7: Think about what you learned. Pick a new video.

Small practice every day is better than long practice once a week.

Choosing Materials for Your Level

If you are a beginner:

• Short, clear conversations

• Slow speakers

• Videos with pictures

• Practice simple things (ordering food, saying hello)

If you are intermediate:

• Short interviews or news

• Topics you know about

• Try to say the main idea in one sentence

Signs the material is good for you:

• You feel interested, not stressed

• You miss some words but understand the story

• You want to watch or read again

• You can explain the main idea

Common Questions

What is comprehensible input?

Material you mostly understand (80-90%) with a few new words you can guess. This is the i+1 sweet spot.

How do I know if something is too hard?

If you understand less than 70%, feel very frustrated, or can't follow the main idea, it's too hard. Find something easier.

Should I look up every new word?

No! Watch or read first for the main idea. Then look up only 1-3 important words. Let your brain guess the rest.

How long until I see progress?

With 10 minutes of practice every day using good materials, most people see progress in 2-3 weeks.

Read up. Speak up. Rise up.

Pick materials that fit your life. Practice a little every day. Enjoy learning.