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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Reading (01/25/07)
Reading is an important part of most people’s lives. How important is it? It feeds us information from many different areas. A skilled reader is ahead of the game when it comes to all other academic subjects. Whether in grade school, high school or college, a good reader will fair much better than a student lacking in reading skills.

But, education is not the only place that reading skills are important. On the job, in the political arena and even in our everyday relationships, reading is a plus. Reading more about subjects that interest us helps us to be more knowledgeable about the things that are important to us. But how we read contributes to whether we retain or lose what we read.

Do you read or scan? A lot has been said for speed-reading. Many pride themselves in reading more books or information in less time than others can accomplish. I suppose you can retain a good deal while speed-reading, but it’s kind of like the difference between a fast rain and a slow, soaking rain that saturates the ground. The speedy rain runs off fast, but a slow rain penetrates the soil and less of it is lost.

Do you pass over an unfamiliar word? Or do you check the dictionary when you’re not sure of its meaning? Checking it out broadens your comprehension. The next time you see that word you may not have to look it up. And, believe it or not, even though you understand the passage that you read (without knowing the meaning of a word), you still get a deeper understanding if you do know what each word means.

“What” you read is not as important as “that” you read. For the avid reader, content is not really important. Much useful information can be gleaned from an article or book of fiction. Many fictions contain information about history, daily living, art, music and different cultures – all hidden in the plot of a good story. But, if you enjoy non-fiction more, choose a subject you like and settle down for a good peruse.

So, Read to enjoy. Your brain will think it’s relaxing and won’t even realize it’s being programmed with useful information.
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This article has been read 1707 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Donna Powers
02/03/07
Very true! You state your point clearly and completely and make a case for reading. This is nicely done.
Julie Arduini
02/03/07
Smooth read, I especially liked the rain analogy. Good work!
Dennis Fletcher
02/05/07
Very well written, reminds me to keep reading. You write very well.
Mariane Holbrook
02/17/07
Isn't it sad that we're raising a generation of non-readers? It has been argued that at least they're reading on the computer but I cannot imagine my life without curling up in my comfortable chair and losing myself in a gripping book. Recently, I visited a county library which was packed with teenagers. I was thrilled until the librarian advised me they were all waiting to play computer games. So few books are being checked out that they're planning to close that small library. How sad. But what a great article you wrote! Thank you!
Clyde Blakely
02/23/07
Agree that reading is important. I didn't read in school and missed so much. Now I can't read enough, trying to catch up. Seldom will read fiction since I want to know reality although fiction can also demostrate that.
Good job in the analogy and making your points clear. Now where is my diksionairy?
Rita Garcia
06/13/07
Really well written golden nuggets wisdom! I've been an avid reader from a very young age, so I totally relate, and agree!
Joanne Sher 
07/04/07
Interesting and informative - this reads very smoothly. I would say excellent for a first entry!
Verna Cole Mitchell 
07/04/07
This sounds like some of the messages I gave my English classes. You wrote it well.
Rita Garcia
07/04/07
I remember your first entry, Jacquelyn, I thought it was special when I first read it and I still am in awe of your writing gift. Blessings!
Brenda Buikema
07/08/07
This was a first?? Great writing talent here!
Loren T. Lowery
07/11/07
I really enjoyed this and it said a lot about the way I feel, not only about reading, but life itself. My favorite line: "The speedy rain runs off fast, but a slow rain penetrates the soil and less of it is lost." Great job!