Should a book contain words that are challenging to readers?

[Escarilla]

Yes, I think books should contain challenging words because you can learn more words which increases your vocabulary. It can make the book more mentally challenging and engage the reader to look up the meaning of the word.

[ifeoma obike]

Books with challenging words offers a great learning opportunity for all ages. An aspiring writer for instance has no better way of building his vocabulary than reading such books.Children are at the stage of cognitive development and I think book with challenging words will be very good for this. English is not my native language and so I always look forward to learning new words each time I read.

[Scerakor]

Like many have already said, there is a careful balance between the two. As well, the response likely differs depending on the target of the book and the type of person the reader is. If the book is MEANT to be used as a teaching tool, absolutely. If you are the type of person who likes using books to increase your vocabulary (as I am) I love it. I can definitely see it being a downside for those that really just want to read a book in order to be amused and not think.

[Antares]

Even as adults we need books with challenging words. Especially when they are used in the proper context

[Janien van Rooyen]

Absolutely! This is exactly how knowledgde grows. Challenges in any shape or form had always been welcomed by me. Bring it on! ?

[ilovechickens777]

I think it is good for a book to contain words that are challenging to young readers because they do, as you mentioned, need to increase their vocabulary. I also find books for adults good to have certain words that are challenging, but if it gets too much then it just is not very nice. However, I enjoy learning new vocabulary even now.

[Annarebel]

They should to a certain extent. Words, even if unfamiliar, used in the context and scope of a child's experience are easy for the chilt to decipher. It helps to build their vocabulary as well.

[Lest92]

Definitely, because it enriches one's vocabulary. I enjoy reaching for my dictionary to clarify something and learn new things. What I think is unpleasantly challenging is a book written in jargon, such as legalese or medical jargon.

[WestIndie001]

For children, books and storytelling should be fun. It shouldn't be a chore or a vocabulary lesson. Though I did agree on a few of the comments about someone around to explain the word to the child. That's always a good way to learn. As adults, we're grown enough to look up words in the dictionary.

[Steph K]

There is certainly a place for challenging words in books for young readers. If they are never given challenging material, how will their reading skills progress?

[Jaime Lync]

My first language is Spanish. I probably took a couple of years to get a grasp on the language however by seven I was alright in it for that age. What is really cool is that when I moved to an English speaking country at the age of 7, I was able to grasp English in just a few months.
Judging from my history, the vocabulary in children's books should challenge them - children love challenges.

[Manang Muyang]

Everybody, children most especially, should learn a couple of new words from every book. The dictionary should be a friendly companion to every reader and a good book can make the dictionary definition stick.

[Sindhu Srinath]

Definitely! Perhaps too many might be a bit of a headache, but a new word every now and then would definitely keep me alert. I don't go running for a dictionary and just try to understand from the context but my vocabulary improves every day because of those new words! How many of us try to learn new words EVERY DAY from the dictionary? A rare few, I'm sure! But those who are voracious readers (like me ) learn new words unintentionally! Thanks authors!

[bluegreenmarina]

Absolutely - with our modern access to dictionaries at the touch of a button, there is really no excuse not to make the tiny bit of required effort to figure out the meaning of an unfamiliar word.

[Bookworm_1515]

I enjoy reading books that expand my imagination along with expanding my vocabulary. I like to think my vocabulary is already quite expansive, but I find it exciting to learn new words. I am constantly finding new favorites. I also find that books with challenging vocabularies allows the reader to continue educating themselves while being entertained. Helping a child discover new ways to express themselves is important. I am constantly teaching my kids to use their words. The more creative they are in verbally expressing themselves the more confidence they garner in social and personal relationships.