About reading in English “Reading” is the process of reviewing a series of written characters and getting meaning from them. As we read, we use our eyes to receive written symbols (letters, punctuation, and spaces) and use our brains to turn them into words, sentences, and paragraphs that mean something to us.
Reading can be quiet (in our head) or loud (for other people to hear).
Reading is the ability to receive - through which we get information. But the complex process of reading also requires the ability to speak in order for us to pronounce the words we read. In this sense, reading is also an effective skill because we also receive information and transmit it (even if it is to ourselves).
Do we have to read to speak English? The short answer is no. Some native speakers do not know how to read or write, but they are fluent in English. Reading, on the other hand, is something you can do independently and significantly expand your vocabulary, which helps you speak (and listen and write). Reading is therefore a very valuable skill and activity, and English learners are encouraged to try to read in English as much as possible.
Reading allows you to be a good writer and speaker. Reading skills can take you one step further and help you achieve your goals by adapting your reading style. If you choose the appropriate reading ability, it will improve the reading process and help you achieve your goal.
If you want to have fun reading, you can use a comprehensive reading ability. There is no hope from the reader here and you can understand the meaning of the words through the context. For example, if you read the phrase, "Take a soft step because you have set foot in my dreams," you will see that the meaning of a step is to walk.
Intensive reading is often used between different reading skills. Here you pay full attention to every word and fully understand it. This method will take you more time to read, but comprehension of the text would be much higher.
Another ability to read is critical reading, analyzing hypotheses in a text, and asking questions. This will allow you to come to your own conclusions.
If you want to review information quickly, you can use skimming. For example, review a book before you buy it. Sometimes when you’re reading, you’re just looking for a specific part. This skill is called scanning.
Choosing the right reading method will help you make the most of it. For example, you don’t have to think about what to do to prepare a report. Similarly, you may not want to use comprehensive reading skills for a topic that doesn’t interest you.
Reading improves our lives in several ways:
Practice your mind
One of the advantages of reading is that it covers different parts of the brain. In the process of reading, you practice your ability to understand and analyze. It activates your imagination and stimulates the memory centers of your mind. This will help you remember the information and stabilize your emotions.
The importance of the habit of reading is that it strengthens the mental muscles. Reading is one of the best mental exercises. Regular mental stimulation slows down and even prevents diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. Reading keeps the mind agile and young.
The role of reading skills in communication
Swedish-American writer Franz Johansson explains how creativity intersects in his book The Medici Effect. Ideas born in one medium and industry can be used as inspiration for others.
Reading and writing work in similar ways. Reading improves your writing style and flow. Writers learn to perfect their craft by drawing inspiration from other writers. You can’t be a good writer if you don’t read. Well-known author Stephen King is said to carry books with him wherever he goes. He also reads while eating.
Another important role of communication reading skills is to increase your public speaking skills. Reading teaches you new words and perspectives. This helps to strengthen the language and determines the sentence structure. This allows you to better control the language. All of this is very important to be a good speaker.
Find yourself
Books serve as a portal to the new world. They have the ability to broaden your perspective, shape your attitude toward others and life, and open up new ways of thinking about everyday life.
One of the many benefits of reading is that it helps shape your personality. As you read, you decide for yourself who you want to be. You get pieces from imaginary heroes that are dear to you. For example, reading Sherlock Holmes can inspire you to be a detective or just to be observant and analytical.
Being a good student
Educated people are amazed. The words “well read” are often applied to a person who is full of wisdom.
Before the advent of the Internet, books were the only source of information and knowledge. The books contain general wisdom of our time. The more you read, the more you learn about the world and the people in it. One of the biggest benefits of reading is that it helps you understand the world.
Be calm and cheerful
Books can be the perfect escape from reality. They can cheer you up when you’re depressed, encourage you when you’re sad, and be a partner to you even when everyone is busy.
One of the advantages of reading is that it calms the mind and body. As you read, you replenish your energy levels faster. Reading is the best way to end the day in peace. This will help you fall asleep faster.
The above points show the importance of maintaining a good reading habit. Here are some other benefits of regular reading:
Improves your thinking and analytical skills
There are times when you read a book and you realize that there are gaps in the plot. You will know who the killer is before the book is told to you. Somehow, your mind works faster when you read.
Reading sends your analytical and critical thinking skills to the hyperdrive. Each book becomes a puzzle that your mind runs to solve. With each book, he continues to increase his score.
The same skills apply to the real world. The reader’s mind is trained to perceive small details. It connects parts and can find connections. He is more adept at identifying patterns and solving puzzles. He learns to synthesize knowledge better. In Harappa Education’s in-depth reading course, this aspect is covered in the Post Reading module.
Helps block noise
Short focus times are on the agenda as life becomes a constant interruption and flow of activity.
You are expected to manage your WhatsApp messages, check your email, and communicate with your colleagues at the same time. Playing such tasks reduces attention and reduces efficiency.
But when you read a book, all your attention is focused. The importance of reading cannot be overstated in our digital age. This is probably the only way to improve focus and attention.
Helps to master the language
Reading is one of the best ways to learn a new language or master a particular language. Also, the more you learn through stories, the faster you learn.
Learning words through context is one of the most organic ways to understand their meaning and improve your vocabulary. It helps to gain knowledge of colloquial terms.
Connect with others
Books can be a great start to a conversation and help you connect with new people.
Students can have multiple stories or topics to discuss and can easily become the center of attention because of their knowledge. The ability to critically evaluate problems also makes them popular.
This makes you reasonable
Reading is a constant exercise in humility. The more you read, the more you realize you haven’t read. It reminds you how long you need to continue. Each book is a reminder of how limited your knowledge is.
Students are friendly and welcoming. They always help because they know it’s still going on.
Its advantages make reading a controversial habit. The book can be very different. It can be a guide when you’re lost. When you feel lonely, he can accompany you.
While these benefits are huge, expert guidance is required for in-depth reading. You can learn all about Harappa Education’s in-depth reading course, which will help you increase your reading speed. Register now to start your study journey.
Explore our Harappa Diaries section to learn more about topics related to communication habits, such as speaking skills, what communication is, and the importance of writing skills.