Final answer:
The best independent reading materials are engaging books in a favorite genre, promoting active reading and tracked through a reading journal, possibly supported by resources like literary criticism or librarian assistance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The best type of reading material to use during independent reading would be something engaging and suitable for your reading level. It could be a book in a genre you enjoy, such as science fiction, a family chronicle, or a crime novel, because such literature has been found to be enjoyable to large audiences. It's important to choose books that encourage active reading, which means engaging with the text through questioning, annotating, and reflecting, rather than passive absorption. Using a reading journal is also beneficial for tracking thoughts and observations, making it easier to write essays or study later. Furthermore, if you have access to campus resources, consider reaching out for literary criticism or asking a librarian to help via Inter-library Loan (ILL) for a deeper understanding of the texts.