The distinguishing features and functions of reading materials in science textbooks Analysis of two American middle school science textbooks "Properties of Matter" and "Human Body Systems;

The problems in today s selection of English reading materials are analyzed.

The paper is based on the theoretical framework of field independence/dependence, attempting to explore the implications of students cognitive style on teachers strategies of reading teaching and reading material selection.

Selection on English reading materials is a crucial problem in reading English teaching of higher vocational college.

The selection of the English reading materials is the key to the improvement in reading efficiency because the materials themselves are the chief factors which affect the students′ interest in reading.

However,the previous research on extensive reading are mainly based on the reading materials regarding newspapers and magazines,few researches have been done depending on other reading resources that students select by themselves,such as:Young Adults literature in their mother language,texts simplified from first language originals,magazines,on the Intemet and so on.

This article mainly focuses on the different viewpoints about simpli- fied reading materials and authen- tic reading materials, the differ- ences between authentic reading materials and the authenticity of reading materials, and the differ- ent principles of choosing read- ing materials.