JELT_V3_N1_A2 J. Priya Joseph Ponniah Journal on English Language Teaching 2249–0752 3 1 10 14 Language Competence, Incidental Acquisition, Subconsciously Acquired Grammatical Knowledge, Affective Filter, Comprehensible Input The paper claims that free reading is a crucial ingredient in acquiring a second or foreign language. It contributes to the development of all measures of language competence which include grammar, vocabulary, spelling, syntax, fluency and style. The review supports the claim that readers acquire language subconsciously when they receive comprehensible input in a low anxiety situation. Pleasure component in free reading will lower the anxiety level of learners in the learning environment. Despite the benefits of reading, curriculum designers include more grammar study into the curriculum. Moreover, the focus is more on learning forms rather than experiencing reading in ESL classes. In fact, free reading is a powerful tool for acquiring grammar and forms and, therefore, more reading could be included in ESL curriculum. January - March 2013 Copyright © 2013 i-manager publications. All rights reserved. i-manager Publications http://www.imanagerpublications.com/Article.aspx?ArticleId=2145