<p>Hey there. I'm in the 9th grade right now and I'm trying to become a more voracious reader. I'm currently reading the Ender's Game series, which I'm enjoying a lot. When I read, I keep my iPod Touch next to me so that I can easily look up new words. However, this often gets distracting and slows down my reading by a huge factor. How can I read so that I can learn new words but at the same time pay close attention to the story and enjoy it without getting distracted? Thanks in advance!</p>
<p>well there are electronic dictionaries out there you can buy, but they are expensive. some books have big words defined on opposite pages, but rarely any do. i would say to either get like a dictionary app and force yourself to not look at anything else, or else you have to switch back to an old fashioned dictionary for a day. just some ideas</p>
<p>Yeah, like I said, I use my iPod Touch to quickly look up words while I’m reading, although it still takes away time and often distracts me from my book.</p>
<p>If you can understand the words in context, just write them down and look them up later, or maybe at the end of chapters.
I always thought that my iPod Touch (sadly gone. RIP Percy-Herbert) was good for looking up words and taking notes while reading. But I didn’t look up that many, so I guess I had fewer chances to be distracted.</p>
<p>stef, I compliment you for wanting to become a strong reader. However, the very best way to improve your reading skills is simply that: read more. Turn off those electronic gadgets. You said it yourself: they’re distracting. By reading more, you will become familiar with new words. Then, just like a little kid learns language: use it! Become an active reader by finding that new word in many media: in a newspaper, in TV news, and in your own discussions.</p>
<p>Ender’s Game is AMAZING! I love that whole series (Bean>Ender).</p>
<p>I would read them and just try to figure it out from context. Then, when you are older, read it again and you will be AMAZED at how much more you understand.</p>
<p>I read Ender’s Game when I was 8, then 11, then 14, then 16, and each time I understood more and more it.</p>
<p>So, yeah, just read it again when you are older.</p>
<p>Context is key, but if you can’t understand, look it up.</p>
<p>@millancad: I’m going to try this, although there are a TON of new words in each chapter, and I don’t fancy looking like 50 words up at once… I may have to rethink this strategy. But thank you! @limabeans: Thanks for the advice and support. It’s just that I often get really annoyed if there’s a word/sentence I don’t fully understand, so I feel the need to look it up so I can understand the sentence.</p>
<p>If you must look it up, look it up in an actual physical dictionary if possible (so much less distracting). Once you know what the word means, reread a few paragraphs to regain your reading momentum. This time you will know what the word means, and you’ll be able to keep with the story.</p>
<p>Definitely read with an index card covering anything below the line you’re reading. It’s proven to help with speed and remembering everything you read.</p>
<p>As for the dictionary, unless you absolutely can’t figure it out, I have two words for you: context clues! :D</p>