Why Recreational Reading is a Ticket to Success
Reading for pleasure can make a significant difference to your academic success. If you haven’t read a novel for a while, or you can’t even remember when you last picked up a book of any kind, here are some compelling reasons to get started…
1. Reading improves concentration
Spending a bit of time every day relaxing with a book means that you are training yourself to focus on a story or series of events on a regular basis. The ability to shut out other distractions and focus on the task at hand is vital when it comes to studying for a qualification, and reading helps to develop this ability.
2. Gain an extensive vocabulary
The more you read, the more you will increase your vocabulary. This means that your general knowledge and understanding of most things will be greatly enhanced: this can act as a great boost to the academic study of any subject.
3. Get better at retaining information
Regularly indulging in your favourite novel will exercise your brain and help to improve your memory. Being able to retain lots of facts and details about your subject will allow you to produce work that demonstrates knowledge and understanding, increasing your grades.
4. Improve your writing
People who read are better writers because they regularly see the printed word. This means that they have a better understanding of how to construct a sentence, how to spell correctly, and how to use punctuation. Reading novels frequently will also help you to develop fluency and sophistication in your writing: you will become better at creating work that flows logically and reads well to examiners.
5. Think smarter
Recreational reading helps you to develop your cognitive skills. This means that reading for pleasure helps you to become better at thinking and analysing, both of which are vital study skills. If you’re reading a novel, you’re thinking about the characters, how they are feeling, and what might happen next, which is fantastic exercise for your brain. The more exercise your brain gets, the higher your levels of educational success!
6. Relax
Studying for qualifications can be very stressful. When coursework deadlines are looming and you’ve got exams coming up, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and anxious. Absorbing yourself in a great story is one of the easiest and simplest ways to unwind. Taking regular opportunities to relax with a book, even if it’s just for a few minutes, can help you to stay focused and calm throughout your course of study. The result of this at the end of the academic year: improved grades!
