THERE is this popular maxim among students; ‘cram or rather read to pass examinations’ and maybe write the answers as you forget them. The result – clever graduates with degrees and certificates they are not worth holding. In the academia, reading is commonly seen as a burden because the main motivation is passing examinations and getting certificates with distinctions. With emphasis on good grades as testimonies of achievement and knowledge, those who fail to get the desired grades fear rejection and being labeled as failures.The reality is that failing an examination does not imply that a student is an empty platter. It is a question of not being familiar with what is tested as opposed to ignorance.A plethora of gains are to be made by individuals who can dare to read almost every literature that is socially acceptable. Here are some of the benefits of extensive reading;Reading is an active mental process – Unlike TV, books make you use your brain. By reading, you think more and become smarter. It is a fundamental skill builder - Every good course on the planet has a matching book to go with it. Why? Because books help clarify difficult subjects. Books provide information that goes deeper than just classroom discussion. Gives you a glimpse into other cultures and places – What is your favorite vacation spot? I would bet you read a lot about that destination. The more information the better. Books can expand your horizons by letting you see what other cities and countries have to offer before you visit them. Improves concentration and focus – reading books takes brain power. It requires you to focus on what you are reading for long periods unlike magazines, Internet posts or e-mails that might contain small chunks of information. Books tell the whole story. Since you must concentrate in order to read, like a muscle, you will get better at concentration.Builds self-esteem – By reading more books, you become better informed and more of an expert on the topics you read about. This expertise translates into higher self esteem. Since you are so well read, people look to you for answers. Your feelings about yourself can only get better.Improves your discipline – Obviously, if one in every four people does not read one book per year, then there is a discipline issue. There may be many causes for people not reading books such as the "quips” of information you can get on the Internet. TV is also a major distracter. Making time to read is something we all know we should do, but who schedules book reading time every day? Very few… That’s why adding book reading to your daily schedule and sticking to it, improves discipline.Endeavour to depart from the reading for examinations but take care not to become a book worm. Enough said.