Should a book contain words that are challenging to readers?

Greatachiever · Post by **Greatachiever** » 16 Jun 2017, 19:39

Gravy wrote:I love challenging words, so long as the author doesn't make their writing feel like a word-of-the-day calander. I've had this happen, and while it's interesting, it detracts from the story a great deal.
Organically done, there is nothing better

I think I agree with u, from my experience in reading so far, it should be balanced. But I must say some authors overdo it, putting words that u might even have to google the meaning. Ewwww, it can be annoying some times.

Rosemary Okoko · Post by **Rosemary Okoko** » 17 Jun 2017, 22:32

I think it is good to have challenging words to expand knowledge. The kids will ask the meaning if not in the dictionary and the definition they will be given will stick in their minds. As for me, i like challenging words and all i have to do is google and even use that word in future.

Greatachiever · Post by **Greatachiever** » 18 Jun 2017, 13:23

Rosemary Okoko wrote:I think it is good to have challenging words to expand knowledge. The kids will ask the meaning if not in the dictionary and the definition they will be given will stick in their minds. As for me, i like challenging words and all i have to do is google and even use that word in future.

Hmmm....Really? You know I agree with you but not totally. What if they are reading when theres no adult at home?? Of what use is it??

MADINA NOOR · Post by **MADINA NOOR** » 19 Jun 2017, 04:48

yes,for my opinion this gives the reader the enthusiasm to dig deep..hence the reader will be able to learn new words,expressions used in the context.

MURIIRA · Post by **MURIIRA** » 19 Jun 2017, 06:36

All books should contain such words. It helps learning of vocabulary.

Cherokeeboi · Post by **Cherokeeboi** » 19 Jun 2017, 06:51

I think a few challenging words are good. They can increase the reader's vocabulary and understanding of different words. However, too many challenging words in a book may cause the reader to become uninterested and give up on reading the entire book.

anncarey · Post by **anncarey** » 19 Jun 2017, 09:15

It depends with whom the book targets.Books that target children should be easy to read as they are only beginners.Those that target adults should contain moderated and relevant vocabularies to increase ones mastery of the language and for advancement.

barb429 · Post by **barb429** » 19 Jun 2017, 14:44

I think books should have challenging words in them. I was an avid reader as a child and I loved finding new words in books. It is a great way to learn. Of course, there were words that I would use, but because I had only read them I did not know how to pronounce them.

Greatachiever · Post by **Greatachiever** » 19 Jun 2017, 16:40

Hmmm.....great view @barb429

Donatelloo · Post by **Donatelloo** » 22 Jun 2017, 05:06

I am not sure about which side to choose because on one side , it is the perfect way to improve your vocabulary when there are difficult words and you look up for their meaning . On contrary, when there are continuously bundles of difficult words that you don't understand , eventually you loose interest in novel.

Jhirsch1230 · Post by **Jhirsch1230** » 23 Jun 2017, 10:24

Absolutely. I love encountering a word that I don't know. I mostly read using the Kindle app so it is easy to look up words immediately.

As for young readers, it is also essential to push them slightly. As an English teacher, I remember assigning a chapter in the book Freakonomics to my class. However, I realized there were 125 words in a single chapter that were likely beyond the knowledge of most of my students. That was a mistake. However, a handful of words in each chapter is not a problem.

shish_by_design · Post by **shish_by_design** » 24 Jun 2017, 11:25

yeah. its god for readers to learn new words daily.its a sign of growth and improves the vocabulary of those learning english as a second language

Marylynn · Post by **Marylynn** » 26 Jun 2017, 10:29

Challenging words are fun as long as it does not distract the flow of the story.

kislany · Post by **kislany** » 26 Jun 2017, 11:26

Challenge is good, however such words should not be dominant, but a very small percentage. People quickly get bored if they have to go over and over some words and phrases they are not familiar with, or interrupt their reading enjoyment by running back and forth between the book and the dictionary. Spoils the immersion, unless it's an appropriate book for studying.

apulliam · Post by **apulliam** » 27 Jun 2017, 20:17

Without a doubt! I teach 3rd grade, and challenging vocabulary words are one of the fastest ways to increase a student's comprehension. I read aloud a lot more than my curriculum actually allows time for, and I emphasize the unknown words.

As an adult, I can appreciate the opportunity to Google unknown terms and unfamiliar places within text.