I like to get into the flow of a book and I don’t like to interrupt myself to look up a word. When you come upon a word you don’t understand, try to get a sense of its meaning by its context, that is, by the surrounding situation. Many words merely add a detail to an effect, and you frequently don’t need to know EXACTLY what a word means.

Only look up a word on the spot if its meaning is crucial to understanding the reading.

Use post-its to mark the places in the book where you find challenging words.

And do eventually look them up–preferably after you’ve finished reading. Write down their definitions in a notebook, and study these words–particularly if the books you’re reading are contemporary and it is likely you’ll come upon these words again.

Acquiring a vocabulary is extremely important, and will pay big dividends when it comes to choosing a career.

Reading a lot, and building a vocabulary–both are an important part of your education.