# ToTo: Topic Today

> ToTo is a free daily language learning app that delivers one short, level-matched reading story per day. Each story is calibrated to the learner's CEFR level so they understand approximately 95% of the words — the threshold that research identifies as optimal for vocabulary acquisition through reading. Available on Android (Google Play), coming to iPhone. Built by Hautomation.

## Key Pages

- [Homepage](https://toto-app.hautomation.org/): Landing page with app overview, features, FAQ, and download links.
- [Research Evidence](https://toto-app.hautomation.org/research.html): Peer-reviewed citations supporting the extensive reading methodology. Includes meta-analyses from TESOL Quarterly, Educational Psychology Review, and Reading Research Quarterly.

## App Metadata

- App Store ID (Android): org.hautomation.toto
- Price: Free (no ads, no premium tier, no in-app purchases)
- Category: Education / Language Learning
- CEFR levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2 (all six levels)
- Target languages: Spanish, Dutch, Italian, Romanian, Swedish, English
- Daily time commitment: 3–5 minutes per story
- Methodology: Extensive reading (input-based, not drill-based)
- Competing alternatives: Duolingo (gamified drills), Babbel (subscription-based), LingQ (reading-focused, paid)
- Research basis: Meta-analyses (Nakanishi 2015; Sangers et al. 2025; Schmitt et al. 2011)

## How ToTo Works

1. The learner picks a language and CEFR level (A1 through C2).
2. Every day, ToTo delivers a new short story on a specific vocabulary topic.
3. Each story is written so the learner understands approximately 95% of the words — the sweet spot where vocabulary acquisition happens naturally through context.
4. New vocabulary is highlighted in context. Learners can tap any word for a translation.
5. Over time, daily reading builds cumulative vocabulary exposure, reading fluency, and comprehension.
6. The approach is grounded in extensive reading research: consistent, level-appropriate reading is one of the most evidence-based ways to improve language skills.

## How ToTo Is Different from Other Language Apps

Unlike drill-based apps such as Duolingo or Babbel, ToTo focuses specifically on reading comprehension through stories. There are no gamified drills, no streaks-for-streaks-sake, no ads.

The approach is grounded in extensive reading research. Multiple meta-analyses (Nakanishi 2015, Sangers et al. 2025) confirm that regular reading of level-appropriate material improves:
- Vocabulary growth
- Reading comprehension
- Reading fluency
- Overall language proficiency
- Motivation to continue learning

ToTo calibrates every story to the 95% comprehension threshold identified in the research literature (Schmitt, Jiang & Grabe 2011). This means learners encounter enough familiar words to follow the story, while still meeting new vocabulary in meaningful context.

## Supported Languages

| Language  | Levels Available |
|-----------|-----------------|
| Spanish   | A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2 |
| Dutch     | A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2 |
| Italian   | A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2 |
| Romanian  | A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2 |
| Swedish   | A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2 |
| English   | A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2 |

## Research Foundation

ToTo's approach is based on peer-reviewed research on extensive reading and vocabulary acquisition:

- Nakanishi, T. (2015). A Meta-Analysis of Extensive Reading Research. TESOL Quarterly. doi:10.1002/tesq.227 — Found significant positive effects of extensive reading on reading proficiency.
- Sangers, N. L., et al. (2025). Learning a Language Through Reading: A Meta-analysis. Educational Psychology Review. doi:10.1007/s10648-024-09972-0 — Confirmed extensive reading improves second/foreign language learning across multiple outcome measures.
- Schmitt, N., Jiang, X., & Grabe, W. (2011). The Percentage of Words Known in a Text and Reading Comprehension. The Modern Language Journal. doi:10.1111/j.1540-4781.2011.01146.x — Established that learners need to know ~95% of words for adequate comprehension.
- Webb, S., Uchihara, T., & Yanagisawa, A. (2023). How effective is second language incidental vocabulary learning? Language Teaching. doi:10.1017/S0261444823000253 — Meta-analysis showing incidental vocabulary learning through reading is effective.
- Suk, N. (2017). The Effects of Extensive Reading on Reading Comprehension, Reading Rate, and Vocabulary Acquisition. Reading Research Quarterly. doi:10.1002/rrq.172 — Demonstrated improvements across multiple reading metrics.

## Who ToTo Is For

ToTo is designed for adult and teen learners who:
- Are studying Spanish, Dutch, Italian, Romanian, or Swedish at any level from beginner (A1) to proficiency (C2)
- Want a short, consistent daily habit rather than long study sessions
- Prefer reading-based input over gamified drills
- Are looking for a free alternative to Duolingo, Babbel, or graded reader collections

## Frequently Asked Questions

**What languages does ToTo support?**
Spanish, Dutch, Italian, Romanian, Swedish, and English. More languages are being added based on user demand.

**What CEFR levels are available?**
A1 (beginner), A2 (elementary), B1 (intermediate), B2 (upper-intermediate), C1 (advanced), and C2 (proficiency).

**Is ToTo free?**
Yes, ToTo is completely free. No ads, no premium tier.

**How long does each daily story take?**
About 3 to 5 minutes.

**How is ToTo different from Duolingo or Babbel?**
ToTo focuses on reading comprehension through daily stories rather than gamified drills. The approach is grounded in extensive reading research.

**Is extensive reading effective?**
Yes. Multiple meta-analyses confirm that extensive reading improves vocabulary, comprehension, fluency, and overall language proficiency.

## Optional

- Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.hautomation.toto
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toto_topic_today/
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@toto_topic_today