Well said by someone that the
art of reading is not a virtue or duty, but a faculty. The creator of a written
composition as well as the individual who reads it both are artists. If the
writing is an art, reading is a greater art.
Ralph Waldo Emerson says, “Good reading is an art.” Reading is one of the
language arts, and is closely related to other art of speaking, listening and
writing. One of the most important of human accomplishments is the ability to
read. Everywhere in a developed, civilized society, the average adult must be
able to read. Reading skill is necessary for learning academic subjects. Though
audio-visual materials are of great help, the printed material is an inevitable
educational tool.
One of the many advantages of reading is, it can be done anywhere. People who
have leisure time, have fondness for reading; books or magazines, newspapers and
periodicals can spend their time in reading for pleasure as well as to obtain
knowledge. To keep in touch with reading is to be aware of current affairs,
specially by reading newspapers.
Reading, like living, should be qualitative not quantitative it should refine
our lives, reform our habits and behaviors and bring positive changes in our
personality and broaden our perception.
There are certain factors which affect the person’s reading ability. If the
reader is in mental distress, physically in trouble, has any psychological
problem or emotionally disturbed, he cannot read properly. Reading needs
concentration, reading without concentration serves no purpose.
In order to read, a person must be able to perceive by sight and by sounds of
the letters. One should comprehend what one should read. Reading without
comprehension is only wastage of time, if the interest is high, the reader will
perceive and comprehend. Escape from reading may prevent us from awareness of
things what is happening in our surrounding; reading for purpose, reading for
pleasure, reading books as instruments of knowledge and culture- is inevitable.
There are many other advantages of reading. For some reading is a catharsis. At
all times, reading can relieve anxieties, temporary annoyances and boredom - it
proves to be useful.
Reading is an art like all other arts, it can be developed and improved. Develop
a habit of reading for yourself.