The Importance of Reading Skills in English
Reading enhances critical thinking, bolsters cognitive processes and improves analytical skills. The importance of reading skills in English language is indispensable. However, reading may not come easy to everyone. Many students shy away from reading in classrooms because they feel underconfident about their skills. Besides this, they are also uninterested in the textbooks as they contain difficult vocabulary and dull or superfluous content.
So how can one improve their reading comprehension? There are several ways to do so. But before that let’s learn the importance of having formidable reading skills and how it affects your future personal and professional life.
What’s the Importance of Reading Skills in English?
Reading is one of the critical classroom activities but it’s not restricted to that space only. Children who develop strong reading skills can build successful careers ahead. Even if it’s subjects like mathematics, chemistry, physics, or accounting, reading comprehension is still a core ability to understand all of them. However, reading is also vital beyond the realm of academics. So, let’s learn the importance of reading skills in English language.
Foundation
English is an associate official language of India and for many people, it’s the second language too. Like K.R. Mangalam World School, Lucknow, many schools, colleges, universities and offices use English for documentation and communication purposes. Thus, strong reading skills build a strong foundation for all kinds of learning.
Communication
One might question why reading is important for communication but without it, you will limit the expression. Reading skills help build a strong vocabulary and develop better ways to express one’s feelings.
Writing
Reading and writing are intricately connected as they both aid each other. If someone is a good writer, it automatically implies that they are a good reader as well. Without developing strong reading skills, it’s almost impossible to write.
Critical Thinking
The easily accessible internet offers a plethora of knowledge. However, some of it can be factual while others may not. Here, our critical thinking and analyses play a vital role. Students highly benefit from good reading skills they help us interpret the written text. Also, most of the content on the internet is in English. So, developing English reading comprehension becomes necessary.
Variety of Texts
A voracious reader can enjoy a variety of texts. Unlike other languages, English novels have a wide range of genres like thriller, fantasy, romance, literary, adventure, etc. One can easily get transported into its world. By reading these many varieties of English texts, one becomes more open-minded, diverse and intelligent. These qualities are a must for all students.
Tips to Improve Reading Skills in English Language
From cookbooks and manuals to the internet and textbooks, everything is written in the English language. No matter what we look at, we are all surrounded by such texts. This is why it is important to develop strong reading skills in English language.
- One of the easiest ways to improve English reading skills is by reading constantly. Pick up diverse reading materials like newspapers, poems, novels, blogs, etc.
- Another way to do so is to read aloud. It helps you know how to pronounce difficult words and identify sentence structure and grammar.
- The Internet is a place where we all learn various things. Thanks to the online tools and apps, you can learn how to read English easily.
- Visual aids are excellent for kids to learn reading. Draw out scenes and stories so children can visualise the text they are reading.
- Writing summaries after reading a text can be helpful. Students can also go into deeper details as it can help with writing skills.
- The technique of skim and scan comes in very handy to enhance reading skills.
| TIPS | BENEFITS |
| Practice | Builds vocabulary, Improves comprehension, Enhances memory |
| Read Aloud | Improves pronunciation, Develops fluency, Increases focus |
| Online Tools | Personalise learning, Improves comprehension & engagement |
| Visual Aids | Improves vocabulary, Brings clarity, Accessible to visual learners |
| Writing Summaries | Improves memory, Comprehension, Writing skills |
| Skim & Scan | Improves comprehension, Writing skills, Memory retention |
Conclusion
By now you must have understood the importance of reading skills in English. It transcends the ambit of literacy as it weaves through communication, personal growth and holistic learning. With strong reading comprehension, school kids can navigate various fields of literature. Whether it’s fictional media or real accounts, honing reading skills is invaluably enriching. At K.R. Mangalam World School, Best School in Lucknow, we emphasise the development of strong reading skills to empower students. Join us!
Frequently Asked Questions
What skills are necessary to read English?
To read the English language fluently, you should be aware of phonemics, vocabulary, sentence structure, reasoning, etc.
What is the importance of reading skills in English?
Reading skills are vital for any language and it’s the same for English. It helps in writing, communication, developing grammar and vocabulary and acquiring a multitude of information. You can explore various topics if you have good reading skills.
What’s the best way to improve reading comprehension in English?
You can improve your reading comprehension skills by understanding your reading level. After that, set goals and start finding reading material to study. Constantly practise reading and expand your ambit.
How to practice English reading skills?
Practice English reading skills by taking online classes, using apps, joining reading groups/clubs and constantly reading short stories, novels, etc.
