Today, with our Spanish classes in Valencia, we will look at 5 Super Hacks that will allow you to get the most out of reading books in the original.

Want to learn how to write better in Spanish? Read more good books. Many of us have heard these statements before.

It is interesting that this method works even more in relation to any foreign language. However, not everyone is willing to use it, preferring to consider reading books as an exciting rather than a learning process, or postponing “for later” when the language is learned perfectly and reading will be given easily.

Do not put off reading books in a foreign language. It can bring huge benefits right now.

 

1-Choose a book that is easier than your current level.

Even if you are currently at the Elementary level in Spanish, there is literature for you too. Fairy tales, short humorous stories and short stories should be read even at the earliest language learning stages.

 

2-Pay attention to grammar!

The reading value is that we get a visual presentation of “grammar in context”, that is, the grammar use in a natural environment and context (and not in the usual, out-of-life exercises).

How do you do this? Look for examples of grammatical phenomena known to you directly in the text and try to analyze why the author used this technique.

The main thing is to remember about grammar, and not to focus only on words, which we often limit ourselves to. The grammar combination and words is the key to understanding the true meaning of what is written.

3-Alternate between extensive or intensive reading.

When reading extensively, we read a text page and do not translate every unfamiliar word, but try to catch and understand the meaning from the context.

If the volume of unfamiliar Spanish words tends to exceed the mark of 30%, it is better to go to intensive reading, that is, read a text page, write out all the unfamiliar words, translate them, and then read the text again, now paying attention to these words features used by the author.

 

4-Plan!

It is good to read books in your native language without a break, resting on the couch. When you are still learning Spanish, it is better to read steadily, so that there is no rejection from the high load.

Dose the reading volume. Start with a few paragraphs, gradually increase their number, and then 

proceed to read entire chapters.

5-Use the audio format.

Not instead of paper or electronic, but with it. This is very important, especially when you are learning a Spanish language on your own!

How to work in parallel with a paper, electronic and audio book.

Well, first of all, the book must be the same. That is, the same book, only in different formats.

We start working with the paper or electronic version. We select the volume to read, apply the extensive method or intensive reading to it, and then listen to the same fragment in audio format. Then repeat the listening process and read aloud with the speaker.

Well, here are some brief recommendations.

If you follow them regularly, reading will help you make significant progress in learning the Spanish language. Moreover, you will learn not only to read, but also improve the listening skills.

 

Text: Maria Lisafina

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