time spent reading text/ npcr book 5

[terryswift]

i am now in npcr book 5, but i am discovering that probably my reading level isnt yet high enough for me to be using this book. it takes me a long time (too long?) to get through the 2.5 to 3 page texts to the point where i can have a clear enough understanding of it to correctly answer the exercise questions. my question is how long should one spend on reading a text? and, what strategies are good to use during this- e.g. check dictionary each time you come across an unfamiliar character, or read through to try to get the meaning through context, etc?

[Meng Lelan]

I use the NPCR in my classes, books 1-4 build up a foundation to the point where you shouldn't be struggling through book 5. Have you already done books 1 through 4 in that series?

[renzhe]

My standard way of going through NPCR was to go through the vocabulary list first, then go through the grammar explanations, and only then read the text.

It has been my experience with Chinese teachers that this is how things are done, and it's probably the way NPCR is meant to be used.

The only thing that helped me improve reading speed and ease was lots and lots of reading. I'm still catching up in that aspect.

[terryswift]

meng lelan , are you using book 5 now? how much time do you spend on reading the 课文？

[Meng Lelan]

Book 5, we always do the vocabulary and the grammar points first. Then the 课文 after that. Read it slowly at first then check for understanding after each paragraph. Then re-read it second time at normal pace. Usually takes about 6 to 8 hours to really learn a chapter.

[atitarev]

I always listen to the audio when going through texts in NPCR, still doing volume 4, (I am behind my plan). I always mark natural pauses or micropauses in the text, so that when I read it myself, I observe those pauses, making the reading more natural. You will find that names are usually followed by a micropause, which is different from English. Listening to the dialogues makes reading and understanding easier, also you can mark the pronunciation if you forget the reading of some characters.

I read a text at least three times. When driving, I listen to the audio, trying to understand without reading, I have to read and understand the text before I am able to follow the audio.

I do reviews after a few lessons, I find sometimes reading an old text is almost like reading a new one.