Research for academic purpose on “Reading Habit”
Paper: English Language
Teaching (ELT)
2/16/2016
Prepared by:
1] Vanita Tadha
2] Asmita Gond
3] Sonal Baraiya
4] Vanita Baldaniya
5] Daya Gohel
6] Neha Mehta
7] Jayshree Solanki
Under the guidance of Dr. Dilip Barad
Department of English
Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University
Bhavnagar
BATCH: 2014-2016
Sr No.
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Table of Contents
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1
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What
is reading habit?
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2
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Methodology
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3
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Different
Reading Techniques
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|
The
four main types of reading techniques are the following:
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|
What
Is Skimming?
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What
Is Scanning?
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Intensive
Reading
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Extensive
reading
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4
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How
many ways people are using for reading?
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5
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Which
types of sources people would like to read?
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6
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What
people think about reading?
|
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1]
Children
|
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· Which types of
reading children like?
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· Analysis of
children’s reading source
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· Mentality of
Parents towards children:
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2]
Youth
|
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· Which types of
reading youth like?
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· Analysis of Youth’s
reading source
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· What did teachers’
views about reading?
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· Our views on youth
according their replies:
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3]
Old
|
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· Which types of
reading old people prefer?
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· Analysis of Old’s
reading source
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· Jivabhai Dodiya’s
view
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· Old vs new
education according to old people
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7
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What
a librarian think about reading books?
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8
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What
we found?
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9
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What
are our views about reading habit?
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10
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Conclusion
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11
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Suggestions
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12
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Bibliography
|
What is the purpose of research?
As a part of English Language Teaching (ELT) curriculum
and in order to gain practical knowledge in the field of literature, we are
required to do a research paper in any field so we are doing on “Reading
Habit”.
The basic objective of doing this research is to gain
knowledge regarding the literature and to interpret its various implications.
The objective of the research is to find out the concepts
which were unknown and to find out modern challenges regarding learning and
teaching literature. This research helps to enhance knowledge regarding
Literature. Through this research one can know about importance of group work
and role of devotion towards the work.
Acknowledgement
It is great pleasure for us to get golden opportunity to
have research work in our study in Department of English.
In completing this research several people are involved
directly and indirectly. They guide and help the researchers in preparing
research and in receiving practical knowledge.
We are thankful to the head of The Department, Department
of English Prof. Dr. Dilip Barad who suggested the function of reading habit.
We hearty express our gratitude to those people who have given us permission to
take their interviews, photos, videos, and providing such nice information or
we can say without it we could not complete it.
What is reading habit?
The act of a person who reads any matter that can be
read. It can be anything which is written or printed like novels, short
stories, poems, articles, magazines, newspapers etc. its depends on reader’s
mood to read. In this it is not necessary to concentrate on grammatical
structures or meanings because it depends on individual’s ways of
understanding. It enhances understanding of particular culture, religion, and
it does not just provide knowledge, but it inspires the intellectuality to
evoke and ultimately it leads to the growth. In ‘Vanche Gujarat’ mission, Chief
Minister said that at the time when our lives have become robotic, books are
the way out from this unfortunate situation. Our social structure has been
immerged from the ‘granths’ like Ramayan and Mahabharat.
The present scenario of readers has been changed
drastically recently compare to what it read to be in past. Now it has becomes
much more innovative through the use of latest technology and improved ideas of
writers. It is one of the favorite areas of improving self-amongst many
areas.“The things I want to know are in books, my best friend is the man who’ll
get me a book I ain, read.” (Abraham Lincoln)
Novels, textbooks, manuals, magazines, newspapers, and
mail are just a few of the things that people read every day. Effective and
proficient readers learn to use many ways of reading for different purposes.
Skimming, scanning, and critical reading are different styles of reading and
information processing. (78)
Methodology
First we have prepared the question bank for reader and
then we have visited 100 houses to get the idea about reading habit. We have
covered at list all the houses like lower class, middle class and upper class.
It not just focuses on reading but try to get the views about changing
educational system in modern era. One by one we have asked several questions
and emphasized on educated family and retired people. There is several lines are written which is
spoken by reader. If reader is preferring old things then we goes deep in them
and if they are opposite like preferring modern then we asked more about that.
According to their views we have tried to gives our views about reading habit but
it is more personal. According to their wish we have taken their and books
photographs and some video clips as a prof. We have asked source of the reading
habit like name of the books, name of the writers and articles so we can get
the specific idea that how readers are involving their self and looking towards
reading source. Majority questions are
related to “why” and “what”.
Different Reading Techniques
The readers should be aware of which technique is most
suited but for their proposes they are reading so there is no definite
technique is used.
The four main types of reading techniques are the
following:
· Skimming
· Scanning
· Intensive
· Extensive
Skimming and scanning are two very different strategies
for speed reading. They are each used for different purposes, and they are not
meant to be used all the time. They are at the fast end of the speed reading
range, while studying is at the slow end.
People who know how to skim and scan are flexible
readers. They read according to their purpose and get the information they need
quickly without wasting time. They do not read everything which is what
increases their reading speed. Their skill lies in knowing what specific
information to read and which method to use.
What Is Skimming?
Skimming refers to looking only for the general or main
ideas, and works best with non-fiction (or factual) material. With skimming,
your overall understanding is reduced because you don’t read everything. You
read only what is important to your purpose. Skimming takes place while reading
and allows you to look for details in addition to the main ideas. Skimming may
help in order to know what the text is about at its most basic level. You might
typically do this with a magazine or newspaper and would help you mentally and
quickly shortlist those articles which you might consider for a deeper read.
You might typically skim to search for a name in a telephone directory.
You can reach a speed count of even 700 words per minute
if you train yourself well in this particular method. Comprehension is of
course very low and understanding of overall content very superficial.
While reading, ask yourself the following questions to
help you decide whether or not to skim. If you answer yes to any of these, then
skimming is a useful tool.
? Is this
material non-fiction?
? Do I have a
lot to read and only a small amount of time?
? Do I already
know something about this?
? Can any of the
material be skipped?
What Is Scanning?
Scanning is another useful tool for speeding up your
reading. Unlike skimming, when scanning, you look only for a specific fact or
piece of information without reading everything. You scan when you look for
your favorite show listed in the cable guide, for your friend’s phone number in
a telephone book, and for the sports scores in the newspaper. For scanning to
be successful, you need to understand how your material is structured as well
as comprehend what you read so you can locate the specific information you
need. Scanning also allows you to find details and other information in a
hurry.
Keep the concept of key words in mind while scanning.
Your purpose will determine the key words. How to scan. Because you already scan many different types
of material in your daily life, learning more details about scanning will be
easy. Establishing your purpose, locating the appropriate material, and knowing
how the information is structured before you start scanning is essential.
What is Intensive Reading?
You need to have your aims clear in mind when undertaking
intensive reading. Remember this is going to be far more time consuming than
scanning or skimming. If you need to list the chronology of events in a long
passage, you will need to read it intensively. This type of reading has indeed
beneficial to language learners as it helps them understand vocabulary by
deducing the meaning of words in context. It moreover, helps with retention of
information for long periods of time and knowledge resulting from intensive reading
persists in your long term memory.
This is one reason why reading huge amounts of
information just before an exam does not work very well. When students do this,
they undertake neither type of reading process effectively, especially
neglecting intensive reading. They may remember the answers in an exam but will
likely forget everything soon afterwards.
What is Extensive reading?
Extensive reading involves reading for pleasure. Because
there is an element of enjoyment in extensive reading it is unlikely that
students will undertake extensive reading of a text they do not like. It also
requires a fluid decoding and assimilation of the text and content in front of
you. If the text is difficult and you stop every few minutes to figure out what
is being said or to look up new words in the dictionary, you are breaking your
concentration and diverting your thoughts.
How many ways people are using for reading?
There are three ways
Which types of sources people would like to read?
Chart of the sources
SR.NO.
|
Religion
|
Novels
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News
Paper
|
Others
|
Writer
|
1
|
Bhagvad
Gita
|
Five
point someone
|
Saurashtra
Samachar
|
Recipe
book
|
Chetan
Bhagat
|
2
|
Ramayana
|
Two
States
|
Gujrat
Samachar
|
Magazine
|
Harkisan
Mehata
|
3
|
Mahabharata
|
Half
Girlfriend
|
Sandesh
|
General
knowledge
|
Jayprakash
Chouksi
|
4
|
Vedas
|
Madhyabindu
|
Divyadhaskar
|
Dictionary
|
Kanti
Bhatt
|
5
|
Palival
Jyot
|
Morpinch
|
Shatdal
|
Grammar
|
Kajal
Oza Vaidya
|
6
|
Vishnu
Sahastra
|
Kanyadan
|
Kalash
|
Self-
help books(Swamivivekanand)
|
Jay
Vasavda
|
7
|
Yugshakti
Gayatri
|
Saurashtra
ni Rasdhar
|
Ravi
Purti
|
Syllabus
Books
|
|
8
|
Vrat
Katha
|
|
Madhurima
|
Kalapino
Kekarav
|
|
9
|
Hanuman
Chalisa
|
|
Sahiyar
|
Balprakash
|
|
10
|
|
|
Jagmag
|
Aesop
fable
|
|
11
|
|
|
Balbhaskar
|
Udan
|
|
12
|
|
|
Chitralok
|
Safari
|
|
13
|
|
|
Dharmalok
|
Sorthi
Barvatiya
|
|
14
|
|
|
Sahiyar
|
|
|
15
|
|
|
Times
of India
|
|
|
What people think about reading?
Readers’ have positive opinion about reading. They say
reading is a receptive skill like listening. This means it involves responding
to text. People read for several reasons
like entertainment, time pass, knowledge, information, to learn and make
self-better, to satisfying self, to enjoy, and being free etc.
The analysis is presented below:
SR.
No.
|
Children
|
Young
|
Old
|
1
|
Fable
story
|
Novels
|
Religion
books
|
2
|
Newspaper
|
|
Male
|
Female
|
Children
|
24
|
30
|
Young
|
28
|
31
|
Old
|
45
|
34
|
1] Children
Which types of reading children like?
Children are reading small fable story from Panchtantra,
Balbhaskar, Jagmag and Magazine. They won’t have enough time to read other
(except their course). Children were conscious about reading Literature and we
observe that today’s generation is smarter so they know the use of Technology
and also they read whatever they want by searching on internet.
Analysis of children’s reading source
Mentality of Parents towards children:
The research is not only related with reading habit but
it also related the psychology of children that how they were thinking about
reading literature. We went one teacher’s house where we observed that the
child was very conscious about reading various books because his parents were
suggested him to read such books. It means lack of motivation children don’t
realize to read. A child wants to use cell phone but their parent’s mentality
prevents him that it is worth to use or it wasting money and time.
Due to the suppression by parents and teachers they need
to read, means very few times they willingly read. They are so enthusiastic to provide us
answers. Children are conditioned by the
advice of elder as do and don’t.
2] Youth
Which types of reading youth like?
In this group we included the higher level students and teachers.
They are not only reading their syllabus texts but also other Literatures too.
The students are reading for special purpose like they
want to get more marks and compare their self with others means they want to
show sincerity to their parents, relatives and their teachers.
They give more important to their course rather than
other things. Apart from their course
some are reading newspapers, novels, magazine, general knowledge books, blogs,
and some sites which provide them exam and course related information. Mostly
they gets reading source from their school library.
Kavitaben, house wife said she is reading self-help books
and dictionary to develop self.
Tanviben, doctor is free minded and reading Chetan
Bhagat’s books, blogs, traveling books. She is a house maker and has a baby boy
though she is sparing time for reading.
Analysis of Youth’s reading source
What did teachers’ views about reading?
The teachers are also reading for their students and
self-improvement. We have observed that many people have told that by reading
we get not only the knowledge but also a way of living life.
One teacher Dipakbhai said I weekly brought one book to
read and he explain his teaching technique as he taking test through PPT
(PowerPoint Presentation). He displayed one question and gave certain minutes
to find out answer then next slide and it continue until the end.
Arti Parmar said she is publishing book per three month
named “Udan”, in which they show students’ creativity. She believes it can
easily preserve rather than newspaper.
Ashok Dhameliya, English teacher always asking question
to his student through which he is teaching and he also said that he is learning
from student. He has so many books like; “The Tempest”, “Hamlet”,
“Middlemarch”, or one can say MA level materiel but all are in sake and shift
it on shelf. He said now I don’t have time to read. He suggests one tall free
no. 180030000881 to lean English free of cost.
Our views on youth according their replies:
The research has given us several ways to know the mind
of young that how they were habituated by reading.
They mostly preferred to
read Chetan Bhagat’s books like “five point someone”, “Two states”, “Three
mistakes of my life”, “and “Half Girlfriend”, etc. People motley doesn’t read
after their government jobs. We want find passions to read in younger
generation as compare to old but still they are considering smart. They are
enough mature to understand the literature.
They have lots of beliefs about reading that it works as
a teacher, self-learning and can improve many things but they are not reading
much.
Doctors are also reading
newspapers, novels and magazine but we won’t get any engineer and
businessman who are reading.
During our research we have visited many areas and in
every area we found a group of women who were talking into group and after
asking questions about reading various books they only responded that, “We have
no time from our children and house hold work so we can’t spend our time for
reading book”.
We also met one
Tamil family who were living in Bhavnagar since many years we asked many
questions and at the end we have observe that the girl who studies into college
she told that my mother used to read magazines or books which were related with
beauty tips. So here we can apply black skin white mask theory that how
people’s mentality changes according to their needs. So beauty tips books
cannot change the real natural look of people though they were reading those
books.
3] Old
Which types of
reading old people prefer?
This is a large group of people who has interest to
read. Most of old people either male or
female they generally used to read religion books mostly Ramayana, Mahabharata,
Bhagvad Gita, and particular religion books.
One Old grand pa was met who told that today’s books
were worth reading because old books
were gives essence of understanding about culture and behavior whereas modern
books only gives sensuous delight except
cultural tendencies.
We have found an
old women her name was Jasuben Kapdia, told
us that “I am uneducated women though I
know many stories which were I know by hearing from somebody” So we can say
that reading habit not only developed by
reading books but it can developed by
hearing something from people.
We also observe that many people told “We want to read
but because of illiteracy we can’t read books or anything”.
Analysis of Old’s reading source
Jivabhai Dodiya’s view
Old vs new education according to old people
They prefer old education than new or modern. Syllabus is
a kind of burden for children because it beyond the capacity of children. In
past siblings can pass with same books but now within a year there is
possibility of changing syllabus.
We also found groups of old people who were retied from their
job, they started to blame the new generation and education that past education
is better than the present as ‘Bhar vagrnu bahntar’. They have read many books
but very old books and still they are reading old books. They have not read any
new books and so their mind are still wondering into the old ideas and
moralities so we can say that “Books can changes the mind of the people”.
People weren’t interested to teach but for the sake of
money they are doing the job. ‘a lazy teacher spoils one generation’.
What a librarian think about reading books?
Generally people would like to read various Books but it
is not easy to buy many books , because it will requires money which will not
affordable for all people, so Library is the main source for increase our
reading habit by getting various books. Only library is a place which provides
scope to all readers who really wants to read various books. But it was a big
question that which types of books people were borrowing from library? She
replies that according to readers need like children like to read short and
fable stories. Young prefer interesting love story.
In the old age library there are so many books but all
were religion and mostly people were busy in reading like newspaper or religion
book. One grand mother said I am illiterate but I like to look in the books in
which some picture are available because through the picture I can guess what
is written in the books.
Mostly we found that the libraries were empty and holder
gave reason that there is specific time for borrower because of small area.
We come to know about many things which people wants to
read like something new as well as old things. Because old or new both types of
books were provides new knowledge of living life. “Every books has life”, it is
also said one proverb that “don’t give your daughter to those houses where you
can’t find the books”
What we found?
Here we tried to put the important points which we found
during survey analysis:
Ø Most of the readers are satisfied by their reading.
Ø It is found that many of the readers are not aware
about some popular writer and their books.
Ø People want to read online but won’t have raw material
and want know how to get source.
Ø In some houses there are so many books like Hamlet, The
Tempest, Dr. Faustus and many more but these all kept it in sake.
Ø Some willingly wants to read but they are illiterate
and don’t have books so they asked us to provide the books to them.
Ø Businessman and house maker wants to read but they
won’t have time.
Ø Some have time and everything but they are sparing it
for gossip and chatting.
Ø Some like to read some specific writer.
Ø Children want to use technology for reading but parents
won’t allow because they think children are wasting time and money.
Ø Reader said there was not such things like bank,
computer but educator produce it so the ordinary people are using it.
“People who were well educated they has not time to read
and those who were uneducated they wants to read but they can’t”
What are our views about reading habit?
Vanita Tadha
Reading captures the image of human beings so we can see
our own self in character and in situations. Reading and observing creates the
vast image in peoples mind. Majority it has dual and multiple side. It depends
upon the changeless perspective of human beings.
I have read many things in Guajarati and English like
novels articles, short – stories, essays and blogs. The aim is to read and
enhance my knowledge and language power. But after completing book or article I
found several critical points which make me think more.
Some are interesting books and as a purpose of learning
language I have read but one more output I get is imagination power. How a
common man can resist and come out from suppression. If we are wrong but when
we change the perspective then sometimes we are better and equal with others.
To read and something is doesn’t make any sense but to
act is important than anything else. Weather it is true or wrong. The journey
of life is unstoppable so with the continuity we should fix our self in any
situation.
“And miles to go before
And miles to go before”.
Asmita Gond
“‘But man is not made for defeat,’ He said.’ ‘A man can
be destroyed but not defeated.’”
(Hemingway)
It is reality that from ancient time to today people
wants to be superior to others. Which were we will found into our ancient
literature like our epic ‘Ramayana’ and ‘Mahabharata’ and those things were
teaches us how to live life with great hope. So such things we were find
through reading various books so reading habit is very important for each and
every people into their life. As we all know that it is difficult to define
what is literature? Because literature includes every areas of human existence
whether it is a lot amount of books or technologies like T.V., Internet, etc. So
the research into the reading habit is related to those people who like to read
various literatures and also those who do not like to read. So we can say that
reading habit takes on new forms and functions to carry the weight of new
cultural experiences.
Research includes major sets issues are:
1. Understanding how people learn by reading various
literatures
2. Multiple influences by reading various things
3. Past experiences
4. The school and personal contexts
Reading barriers
Interest Motivation
Thinking
Different Cultural effects
Concept
Power and money 
Time Involved in own
work
Literacy understanding content
“Not all readers are leaders,
But all leaders are readers” (Harry S, Truman)
It means that reading habit enhance our imagination and
thinking power with which we can get the power of judgment. It also cultivates
social and ethical value to cultivate social sense, with which we will become
eligible to raise questions against the authorities by knowledge of power. So
reading habit is undeniable part of our life and also it related with our
social norms activities of life which spreads knowledge not only for the sake
of self but also for the society.
Sonal Baraiya
There are four skills: (LSRW) listening, speaking,
reading, and writing. Listening and speaking are the first step to learn
language but reading and writing skills enhanced learning the language. So,
reading is also one of the most important parts of learning language. Reading
also helps to enhanced speaking skill.
Reading habit transcends the boundaries of knowledge. It
reaches us one step further than what have we before. It is a way to enjoy
informative, creative, and inspiring works of literature that enrich our life
experiences. No doubt that it takes time to read but it is always beneficial to
enhance our knowledge about surrounding things which are takes place in our
life. Due to this reason that it is requires time, people be tedious. There are
various types of reading that people would like to read such as: Newspapers,
articles, magazines, literature, and what not. But the literature is one step
above than the other things.
"Literature is the next level of image. Literature
may be the reflection of the society. Literature is feeling it is not deeds to
the mirror."
This definition of literature I got after reading various
books. So, literature is one of the best sources of reading through that we can
fly in the sky because it couldn't provide the external malaises but also the
inner one.
For example- Poets
like R. W. Emerson and H. D. Thoreau talks about the inner life of people,
while -
"The White Tiger" by Arvind Adiga - talks about
the external affairs of society in which individual’s life. Their lives are
destroyed by the impact of society. As Rousseau's comment that "Man was
essentially good and was corrupted by the influence of society".
Thus, i got the idea of external and internal affairs of
people and moreover life itself after reading the literature.
In short reading the things especially literature
connects the dots which are speeded either and thither. Moreover it is gives
the title also because I read various poets, writers, and what not who are
coming with various cultures, new ideas with different titles and so on. So,
obviously it speared our knowledge.
Thus, reading it not for the sake of reading but it is
for the sake of life. So, what I think that due to reading life becomes better.
The habit of reading is at every perspective good for human beings because it
is increase one's level of thinking and imagining. In short it spread the roots
and definitely one day it is became "A BIG TREE" which gave its
fruits to everyone.
Jayshree Solanki
Generally, reading means understanding the meaning of
printed words or symbols. However, in different points of time, we read for
different purposes.
We read to communicate thoughts and ideas. The same word
in a sentence can have different meanings.
For example, when we visit a book fair, we do not go
through a book in detail. We simply read a summary of the book printed on the
back cover to know the subject matter.
On other hand, when we read a text book, we probably go
through all the details and try to understand the topics and concepts thorough
Two important factors involved in reading are as follows:
· Time taken to read
· Subject matter understood
Therefore, we can say that there are different techniques
of readings.
Conclusion
It can be said that Literature has vast image and which
was prevalent into every corner of the world. Still the traditional method of reading
is preferred by the people, as it is a new concept, it will take people to
change their mode of reading. The benefits of reading should be conveyed to
those who are no aware of it. It is not necessary that People should be
educated enough to enhance their abilities. During our research we explore our
knowledge of collaborative work; we also got the chance how to implement theory
in practice. It improves our practical knowledge and also got chance to meet
different people it has also increased our confidence. It is memorable
experience to be a part of this group work.
Extra Source
1. Reading is one of the best tools for training and
upbringing. A good book always has a salutary effect on the mind of a reader.
It will elevate spirit and thoughts. It will augment his store of knowledge.
Books help in correcting moral ineptitude. Particularly in these days of
mechanical existence, when people have hardly any time to attend meetings and
symposia, the best source of acquiring religious and general knowledge are
books that can be browsed whenever a person finds some time to spare. Read moreclick here.
2. Reading occupies a pivotal role in the life of a man.
Reading opens the doors of the treasures of knowledge. It is an important means
of introducing the child to the world that surrounds him. It is the very
foundation on which the edifice of the child is to be built. Reading is one of
the most important components of our language and it is an essential tool for
lifelong learning for all learners. Readmore click here.
3. Somewhere after “lose weight”, “stop procrastinating”,
and “fall in love”, “read more” is one of the top goals that many people set
for themselves. And rightly so: A good book can be hugely satisfying, can teach
you about things beyond your daily horizons, and can create characters so vivid
you feel as if you really know them.Read more click here.
4. Reading is not just an important professional skill.
It is also a way to enjoy informative, creative, and inspiring works of
literature that enrich our life experiences. Like any skill worth mastering, a
reading habit requires time and dedication to develop. It is, however, a
lifelong source of enjoyment and entertainment and an affordable hobby for
anyone who wants to pick up a book. Read more click here.
5. Chief Minister Shri Narendrabhai Modi called upon the
people of State to join the missions: ‘Vanche Gujarat’ and ‘Samay-Dan’. He said
that the mission will showcase the social strength of Gujarat and will take the
crown positions in the celebrations of Golden Jubilee celebrations. Read more click here.
Suggestions
Ø Readers should not just read out but also apply that
thing into their practical life because writer also has some intention behind
his/her work.
Ø They must read online so that they can ever get connect
with the ideas of people
Ø They should use Social media like Facebook, Twitter,
What app for increasing their reading habit for personal development
Ø Older or newer should not interfere each other means
all are perfect in their age.
Ø People said we won’t have time but I think they should
also give priority to read so they can easily manage everything.
Ø They suggest us to study but they must say that you
should be dutiful towards your job and your work.
Works Cited
Beale, Abby Marks. http://www.howtolearn.com/. o2 2013.
<http://www.howtolearn.com/2013/02/skimming-and-scanning-two-important-strategies-for-speeding-up-your-reading/>.
McDonald , Karl . http://www.howtolearn.com. 08 2012.
<http://www.howtolearn.com/2012/08/different-reading-techniques-and-when-to-use-them/>.
Taibah University. http://www.sciencedirect.com/. 12
2012.
<http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1658361213000747>.
Hemingway, Earnest. The old man and The sea. United
States: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1952.
Thakore, Shreya. Communication skills. Ahmedabad: Books
India Publications, 2015.
