READING
Reading literature in English for advanced learning
Resorting to complex literary works in your target language will definitely provide you with an incredible amount of vocabulary and critical thinking.
Once you have reached an advanced level, your reading habits need to adapt to the new skills you master. This means moving to more complex and demanding reading, which includes digging into old masterpieces of the language, worldwide mainstream best-sellers and complex modern literature. What you can do with this readings is extremely profitable not only for academic but also for cultural and personal growth. What you read largely defines your personality and if you dare to read great literature, you’re not only a great reader, but a great person too!
TIPS
Here are some tips for you to have a splendid and profitable time when handling complex literature in English:
# 1
If you have never read a work of literature in English, begin by getting informed about the most famous ones and have a look at the ones you have heard of.
# 3
As with less complex reading, note taking is wonderful for keeping a track of the reading. For academic and literary reading it mainly consists of summaries and mind maps for each chapter or section of the work.
# 5
You may not only read works by English-speaking writers but also works in other languages translated into English. Try to read your favorite mother tongue novel in English and see what you can grasp from vocabulary!
# 2
Although this may spoil the tasteful surprise of a good reading, it is always useful to read a summary or synopsis of the plot, so you may have a guide before beginning the journey.
# 4
Don’t give up reading because you find the book too obscure and brain teasing. Use all kind of strategies such as online search and reading forums where people discuss their readings and clarify other people’s doubts with their books.
RESOURCES
Here you have a couple of sites where you can find online libraries, literature archives and list of books you can’t miss out!:
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An extensive literature collection of books written in many different ages and about many different topic, you need to sign up for getting to the archives. Click here!
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An interesting list of the 110 best books of all time, according to The Telegraph. Click here!
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A similar list of the 100 definite novels everyone must read, this time by The Guardian. Click here!