What do you think is the "best" way to read in a target language?

[StringerBell]

The reading portion of the Super Challenge is 5,000 pages. Assuming an average length of 250 pages in an actual book, this works out to 20 books. The SC allows for repeated readings.

I've been thinking about the most productive ways to read in a target language; I seem to benefit the most from intensive and repeated reading rather than extensive reading. Out of curiosity, I wanted to see what you all think about various reading strategies.

Using the 20 book goal of the SC, would it be better to:

1) read 20 books extensively.
2) read 20 books; some intensively and some extensively.
3) read 10 books twice; once intensively and once extensively.
4) read 5 books 4x each; once intensively and then 3x extensively.
5) read 1 book 20x

I know that different people have different capacities for repetition, so there is no one right answer. I'm curious what you all think would be the ideal way to maximize the benefit of reading.

EDIT: Since people may need to change their reading strategy as their abilities progress, for the sake of the poll, assume it is for a person with a B2 level in the target language.

[lingua]

I chose the first option but with the caveat that I'm convinced reading a bunch of books by the same author (especially a series) is the way to go. I've not done any intensive reading in recent years though I tried back when I was a beginner. It bored me too much so I didn't stick with it.

[DaveAgain]

I've not done any intensive reading in recent years though I tried back when I was a beginner. It bored me too much so I didn't stick with it.

Do you ever look up unknown words?

[Cavesa]

That depends on the level, the kind of books, the other methods used in learning. It is different, to read extensively and to read extensively+do other learning activities.

The main problem of this version of the SC: It is too short. Extensive doesn't mean lazy, it means that you consume a lot of books and without (or almost without) a dictionary. And I have found, so far, that the main advantages of the method show up fully after 10000 or 12000 pages. So, comparing too little extensive reading with intensive is bound to lead to skewed results. It's like asking which weight loss regime is the best for two weeks. The answer will be different, than when we are discussing one for long term use and stability.

If the SC is ta part of a larger reading plan (which is what I think it should be. The beginning, the middle helping you over a plateau, or the end helping you finally get to a long term goal.) of a learner around B2, then 20 books extensively are the right choice, I'd say. If someone dislikes reading and wants just the 20 books and/or is significantly less advanced, then some intensive reading will be much better in their situation (but of course the end results won't be the same as those of the first person).

[hagestolz]

I am currently using option 3 in an attempt to move my level up to C1 in Italian. So far I have read three books for pleasure and highlighted some unknown words/ useful constructions. As I am reading on a Kindle this is quick and easy to do. After a month or so I reread the book intensively and exploit much more of the language, writing Goldlists, incorporating new language into my writing and consciously trying to use something new in weekly conversations with native speakers.

I realise that it may not be everyone's cup of tea, but for me it's a means to an end and I find it effective. I'd describe it as necessary spade-work, although I do enjoy it. At a more advanced level my reading is nearly all extensive, unless I happen to be reading something incredibly specialised, and as a low-intermediate Russian learner it is all intensive.

[malach]

I went with option 4. But the only 'evidence' I have for this is with German graded readers. At this stage, I'm after vocabulary and the ability to understand native material. Repetition is a way to reinforce what I have seen before and check on my progress.

I like rereading anyway. In English, I avoid any 'unpleasant' surprises, and I can enjoy more deeply what the author has written.

[StringerBell]

There are probably an infinite number of variations of the options I listed and I'm not seeing a way to add extra options now that the poll is already created, so I think we're stuck with these. I know that different levels require different reading strategies, so for the sake of the poll, let's say someone with a B2 level in the target language.

I tend to think that a purely extensive reading strategy (with very occasional dictionary look ups) is probably most effective for someone with a very high level in the language (C1 or higher). The lower the ability in the language, the more intensive the reading should be (for me, anyway). When I read or listen, it's just too easy to skim over seemingly minor things I don't know (or I can't appreciate nuances) but when I really have to pick it apart, I end up realizing things are not as simple as they seemed on the surface and I end up learning a ton. I do option #4 most of the time.

Obviously, other people seem to have a lot of success doing the opposite of this.

[Lianne]

I used to try intensive reading, but found it awful. I would spend an hour and get through only a few pages. It was so frustrating! Near the start of this year, I discovered (like magic!) that I could read in French, so I just started doing extensive reading only. I have, very occasionally, done like a page or two of intensive reading within the book that I'm extensive reading, and should probably do that more often, but generally the extensive reading is really working for me!

So, for myself, I'm doing option 1.

I'm not B2 though. I don't know what I am. *has existential crisis*

[DaveAgain]

My current theory is if there's lots of unknown words per page, you should either read extensively, or with a parallel text, and if there's only a few unknown words per page, you should look them up (I write them down, and look them all up in one go later).

I may change my mind about that again!

[lingua]

Do you ever look up unknown words?

On the kindle, yes. Though I try to figure it out by context first. With a physical book, rarely. Takes too long. I've also noticed recently that I sometimes have a compulsion to want to click on unknown word when reading a physical book though I've yet to actually do it.