StoryLearning Podcast 514: This simple reading habit will 10x your vocabulary
Dec 31, 2025
Discover how a simple reading habit can dramatically boost your vocabulary! Explore the benefits of rereading for beginners and how advanced learners can thrive by reading widely. Learn about narrow reading, where you combine repetition with diverse material on a single topic. Olly shares his personal experience with Japanese research to illustrate effective vocabulary acquisition. Plus, goal-setting tips for effective reading plans are also covered. Get ready to transform your language learning journey!
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Reread Early To Notice Patterns
- Do reread material when you're starting a language to notice patterns and build familiarity.
- Avoid intensive word-by-word study on first passes; aim to cover more ground instead.
Repetition Then Breadth
- Repetition is crucial early, but as you advance you must broaden input to continue improving.
- Higher levels require exponentially more exposure, so reading widely becomes essential.
Use Narrow Reading For Efficient Exposure
- Try narrow reading: read multiple books by the same author or on the same topic to get repetition with new material.
- This gives familiarity similar to rereading while exposing you to more vocabulary and structures.