Lesson 13 The Importance of Reading
Before the invention of printing, books were hand-written. They were very few in number and difficult to get. They were a big source of entertainment for those who could read. Popular novels were serialized and readers eagerly waited for instalments.
Families read together regularly; parents read to children. A book was enjoyed over and over again.
Nowadays, books have largely been replaced by other means of entertainment and of knowledge.
What is it about a book that is special? In books, we discover the teachings of scholars and philosophers. We read about the rulers of our land, about what the people who lived long ago ate, wore, and read!
In the pages of a novel, we meet characters we fall in love with and those we hate. We also meet people like ourselves. We realize that human beings all over the world, in every age and time, have shared our joys, sorrows, and hopes.
Reading helps us to concentrate; it improves our memory and our reading and writing skills.
What are you waiting for? Pick up a book and change your life!
Word Meanings:
Entertainment: pleasure; interest; fun.
Instalment: section; part.
Scholar: learned person
Philosopher: a lover of knowledge; a wise person; a thinker.
Character: personality
Discuss:
What forms of entertainment have replaced reading?
What is your favourite form of entertainment?
Do you like to read?
If so, what kinds of books do you like to read?
How often do you read?
Do you like to read magazines?
What kinds of articles interest you?
Do you read in English, in Hindi, or in your mother tongue?
Do you have a favourite book? If so, what is it and why is it your favourite book?
Remember: To Be
I am
He is
She is
It is
We are
You are
They are
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb: to be.
I___a clown.
My best friends___ Jaya and Maya.
They ___rock stars.
___you from Odisha?
My uncle ___a teacher.
What__ your favourite book?
What __ in your lunchbox?