Reading comprehension and literacy development

Positive Effects of Reading

Mark Twain, a notorious writer and traveler, once said, "The man who doesn't read good books has no advantage over the man who can't read them." This statement is true on so many levels. The benefits of reading are incredible. Through reading, a greater interest is developed in many subjects, comprehension and memory are dramatically improved, analytical and critical skills are focused and one's ability to come to a conclusion about the information that is read is enhanced.

Many people get so caught up in their hectic, daily schedules that they forget or never discover the joys of reading. In my opinion, this is a terrible shame, as reading brings so many positive elements into my life. In some ways, reading can be light, fun and surprising; in other ways, it can be serious and highly informative.

In today's society, there are so many choices for entertainment that reading is increasingly less popular. While I understand that television and video games are extremely attractive options for entertainment, they simply lack the satisfaction and rewards associated with reading a good book.

For example, when I watch "Gone With the Wind" on television, the entire story is spelled out visually for me and I am required to use very little imagination. However, when I read the book, I am given the creative licenses to imagine so many more details of the story. Therefore, in many ways, I become part of the story. Reading enables me to discover new worlds on printed pages.

Learning to read was one of the best things that ever happened to me. Since I first learned to read, way back when, I have been constantly discovering more enjoyable and practical benefits of reading. The more I read for enjoyment, the easier it is for me to read for other purposes, including school and work.

In a nutshell, reading gives me the ability to learn just about anything on my own. If I were not able to read, I would be forced to depend on others for my entire life. Since I have developed advanced reading skills, I am able to read a book to learn all types of things, ranging from gardening to advanced computer programs. In addition, many books are so cleverly written that it is enjoyable to learn about these things.

Being able to sit back and relax while reading is my favorite thing to do on a lazy weekend or when I am feeling stressed. One of the best things about reading a book is that it lets my imagination take over. I can get lost in a book, as I get to decide what the characters look like, sound like, and how they act. Once I get really into a book, all of my problems and concerns are swept away, at least for a little while.