Should a book contain words that are challenging to readers?

[Sparkletime]

This reminds me of the famous Faulkner vs Hemingway exchange. Faulkner said Hemingway "has never been known to use a word that might cause the reader to check with a dictionary to see if it properly used". Some took that as an insult but it was a compliment. Still Hemingway later said "Does he really think big emotions come from big words?" of Faulkner. I think both styles are equally valid as long as the writing fit the style and situation.

[Nthabeleng]

I agree that books should have challenging words for readers. If a book is too simple it becomes boring but new words makes it intriguing just as long as the author doesn't do it too much. it's a good way to expand once vocabulary.

[Anganie]

yes i do think books should contain words that are challenging to readers because it will give them the opportunity to learn a different word,some way down the line they might see the same word but have no idea of the meaning so its better to learn now than later

[MrsCatInTheHat]

Learning new words is good at any age but especially for children. As long as most words are familiar, the story stays engaging and enjoyable while still expanding their vocabulary.

[AmeliaLovesBooks]

In a world that pushes for less colorful vocabulary, I think it's important for children to learn new words and also that it's okay not to know a word. I loved learning new words when I was younger and I still enjoy a challenging word when I read. You have to keep learning and unfortunately that is something we appear to be pulling away from. Stagnation is crippling.

[Amagine]

I also enjoy reading books with challenging words. As long as it is not too many that I become distracted from the story and find myself reading a dictionary more. I like learning new words and expanding my vocabulary.

[Rebeccaej]

Yes, but they should be used with purpose. If I look up the word, I want to feel like I've learned something useful. I don't like when I look it up, only to find a word that has a dozen common synonyms that would have worked better in context--that's just the author trying to show off.

Tinker and burrow are good words to know, though. I approve in this case!

[Liambee John]

well, challenging words are good to some extent perhaps as a beginner, it is not advisable using challenging words for it may pave way for lost of focus, attention and comprehension. So it should be minimize while using challenging or ambiguous vocabularies.

[Jennifer Allsbrook]

In hsimone's review of Farmer Beau's Farm, she mentions that the book contain words that may be unfamiliar to children such as, "tinkering," "burrowed" and other words. By doing this, the author helps to expand a child's vocabulary.

What's your opinion? Should a book contain words that are challenging to young readers or should it be kept simple? Why?

What about books for adults? Do you like reading books that contain challenging words? Why?

I think that challenging a young reader's mind is a way to expand vocabulary and help them develop thinking skills that may not be developed in other ways. Personally, I love to come across new words when reading.

[EMoffat]

Yes! I think a book should always include challenging vocabulary - it is how we learn and develop ourselves. Especially with devices like the kindle where you can highlight a word you don't know and it brings up the definition - an extremely easy way to learn new words. Even without the kindle one of my favourite things about reading a book is encountering words I don't know and learning what they are - even if I forget them straight after!

-- 13 May 2017, 13:54 --

Yes! I think a book should always include challenging vocabulary - it is how we learn and develop ourselves. Especially with devices like the kindle where you can highlight a word you don't know and it brings up the definition - an extremely easy way to learn new words. Even without the kindle one of my favourite things about reading a book is encountering words I don't know and learning what they are - even if I forget them straight after!

[Amagine]

well, challenging words are good to some extent perhaps as a beginner, it is not advisable using challenging words for it may pave way for lost of focus, attention and comprehension. So it should be minimize while using challenging or ambiguous vocabularies.

I do agree that it should be minimized. If it is overdone, readers will lose interest in the book.

[Donnavila Marie01]

In hsimone's review of Farmer Beau's Farm, she mentions that the book contain words that may be unfamiliar to children such as, "tinkering," "burrowed" and other words. By doing this, the author helps to expand a child's vocabulary.

What's your opinion? Should a book contain words that are challenging to young readers or should it be kept simple? Why?

What about books for adults? Do you like reading books that contain challenging words? Why?

I love books with challenging words. Every time I read, my printed dictionary is beside me to check on every new word that I encounter.

[ShyColt]

I think so. It's the perfect learning opportunity. Between context clues and the readily available thesaurus, I don't think it should be a problem.

[Donnavila Marie01]

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 have had an embarrassing experience with a challenging word, back when I was in fifth grade. Up until now, I smile bitterly if I am reminded of that incident. Despite this, I will still advocate for challenging words in readings from different genres and for different ages.

[Amagine]

I also advocate for challenging words. It can be embarrassing sometimes when you come across a word that you don't understand or can't pronounce. It helps build your vocabulary though which is very important.