Graded reading works. The premise is simple: read as much as you can at a level that's comfortable, and your language skills will increase.
But most graded readers fail at one thing: content.
I built yomu yomu to offer learners fresh, real news — not anime, not manga, not tea ceremony. Articles on business, science, sports, politics. Short enough for daily use. Leveled N5–N1.
Here's how to get the most out of it.
Interesting content
I built yomu yomu to offer learners graded content that is of interest to the general learner. It doesn't specialise in anime or manga content, or offer cultural texts on the mysteries of tea ceremony or tanabata. The content is fresh, real news content that has content of interest to all across categories such as business and economics, science and technology, sports, politics, arts and culture and more.
Bite-sized content
The articles are not long, which some might say goes against the premise of graded reading, but I would argue that shorter bite-size content is better for today's attention starved lifestyle where endless websites and applications competing for our time. So with that in mind, let's look in a little detail about what to keep in mind when using yomu yomu.
Pick your level
First off, pick your level. There are 5 to choose from. These are tied to the 5 jlpt levels. I wouldn't recommend taking too much time deciding. You can switch anytime, and even during reading - which is highly recommended, by the way (see below)! Just go for the level you think is where you are at, or the jlpt level you studying for, and start reading.
Sense check the level as you go
Once you choose your level, start reading. Pick articles that look interesting and begin reading. There is a dictionary glossing feature which pops up when you click on a word. As you read, if there is a word you do not know the definition or reading of, just click on it, the click-to-gloss feature will let you the definition and reading, then carry on. I don't recommend making word lists or saving words at intermediate levels. If the word is important enough, it will come back again soon as you read other articles, and that second or third time you encounter the word in context will really help to recinforce the meaning without the need to go away from the reading and take time making and studying flashcards.
Challenge yourself if needed
As you read, you will begin to notice if the level you are at is suitable. Keep in mind that some articles will contain more unfamiliar vocabulary and grammar than others at the same level. If you come across an unusually difficult article at your selected level, just move down a level for that article. Do not reset your default level immediately. As a rule of thumb, I recommend that if you are finding around 3-5% of the article needs glossing, you are about right. If you only come across 1 or 2 unknown words every article, you might want to move up. If you are finding there are unknown words every one or two sentences, then you should consider moving down a level.
Dealing with conceptual difficulty
One tip I have is for articles that are conceptually difficult, start with the lowest level and move up one level at a time. For example, I am not very knowledgeable about finance topics, and whenever I read an article about the federal reserve, or interest rate rises, I find it not only hard because it is a foreign language, but also because I find the topic difficult conceptually. In this case, it can be really helpful to move down to the starter level, N5. This level will break down the topic into simple and easy to understand sentences. Once I have read that, the basic gist of what is being communicated is there in my mind and enables me to tackle to article again at a higher level more easily.
Bottom line
The bottom line is to keep reading. Read read, Yomu Yomu! Find your level. Pick interesting articles. Read daily. Tap words you don't know. Move up when it gets easy, down when it gets hard.
Before you know it, you'll be at the next level.
Ready to try? Try it out and create a free account at yomuyomu.io. No manga required.
