We students are seriously preparing for the forthcoming exams this November. Thereafter, we will enjoy a very long vacation with lots of time on our hands and figure out how to spend this time.

Well, my suggestion is to pick up a couple of reading books. All students do read books as part of the syllabus or curriculum.

However, reading outside school text books is a very useful past time. Reading leisurely, any book of your choice, at your own expense makes it reading an interesting hobby.

I grew up reading all kinds of novels from fairytales to science fiction, from tales of mysteries and adventures to romance. Reading has always been one of my favorite leisure activities and it is so thrilling.

In any story you read, it is easy to get engrossed with the tale as if it is happening around you. 

The general knowledge of a person improves much after reading. Through good books, you can understand a culture, history, geography and politics of so many nations Thus, you gain knowledge in a more interesting and relaxed manner.

Reading broadens one perspective of human nature. A reader gets to know the different shades of human nature, which normally one experiences after growing up.

This helps in taking correct decisions during interaction with other people in the world.  Through reading the reason behind the sufferings, victories and failures of this world are understood. 

This creates a broad and tolerant outlook toward people of other communities. Hence it becomes a big step in improving the personality of an individual in a better way.

The biggest advantage of reading books is that it improves the command of a language. Anyone desiring to improve their skills in any language should try to read books or magazines in that language.

New words in the text can be searched for in a dictionary or a   knowledgeable person can be consulted.

Reading sharpens the memory and intellect of a person.  The speed of reading improves greatly when a person reads more and so does their writing speed.

This is a big advantage when writing exams since time-management is of essence.

This occurs because the text read becomes so well engraved in the mind that it comes out as a reflex, when one starts writing. All these factors sum up to give successful results.

One can see that there are so many benefits of reading. Why not cultivate the habit of reading by starting today.

The writer is a grade 12 student at Green Hills Academy.
arundhati94@yahoo.co.uk