Reading is a significant aspect in the modern world. This is because knowledge is power and yields success in all disciplines. The world is gradually being reduced into a competitive global platform. Therefore, remaining relevant for businesses is paramount. One of the ways to facilitate this survival is through reading. In this light, it is noteworthy that reading has no age cap to it. All persons should be able to read efficiently, and they should widen their spectrum of acquiring knowledge from both ancient and modern masterpieces. To grasp the essential aspects, a reader must have the capacity to read efficiently. Different books have various themes and a degree of importance. The reader should thus have the ability to retrieve optimum benefit from the literal material. Reading also plays a significant role in checking and refreshing an individual’s memory. The radical world requires an avid reader in order to be updated with life’s events.

Tannenburn (2008) suggests that a connection between reading and knowledge exists. Knowledge thus plays a crucial role in the understanding of written masterpieces. In order for the reader to fully grasp the content of written texts, he or she ought to have knowledge of the meanings of the words. The reader should also go an extra mile in unraveling the meanings of the unknown words. In light to this, having an understanding of the words makes a person a good reader. Costello (2011) compliments Tannenburn’s book by suggesting that reading widely is beneficial in the modern platform. He states that success comes as a result of reading widely and being aware of the strategies to use to excel in all disciplines. Different reading material offer insights that help in understanding existing phenomena, modifying various schools of thoughts, and simplifying complex ideologies.

Reading widely gives individuals an edge in the competitive world. Understanding why things work the way they do, how concepts are derived and theories to support ideas is of prime importance. The internet serves as a powerful resource center for knowledge acquisition. For the past decades, this tool has played a significant role in knowledge acquisition in an up-to-date manner. Information density and richness have also been amplified through the internet. Reading diversely and widely offers the readers a platform to challenge their assumptions. Focusing on various readers widens the spectrum of knowledge of ideas, theories, concepts and views.

Through reading, various emotions may be prompted and an examination of things critically from various angles is made possible. Literal masterpieces often challenge the reader to have fresh ideas about the world and new inventions, personal beliefs and existing phenomena. For this reason, a person should not limit themselves to few written texts, but rather be open to different ideologies. Reading challenges personal views, assumptions and beliefs and offers a wider scope of understanding different concepts that may yield personal growth, character development and success. A knowledgeable person has an edge in the contemporary world.

Though skeptics argue that reading is hard work, the benefits are unmatched and indisputable. Reading exercises the brain and helps in retaining simple to complex ideas. Effective reading revolves around retention and grasping the key facts addressed by the authors. Responding and comprehending ideas presented by the authors is vital. An individual may read easily and widely, but it takes practice and time to be efficient at it. 

References

Costello, P. (2011). Effective action research: Developing reflective thinking and practice. New York, NY: Continuum International Publishing Group.

Dunham, D. (2013). The importance of reading widely and diversely. Retrieved on 8^th Oct. 2013 from http://pastordaveonline.org/2013/03/14/the-importance-of-reading-widely-and-diversely/

Hacker, D. & Sommers, N. (2010). New York, NY: The Bedford Handbook.

Patrick. (2012). Reading to live. Retrieved on 8^th Oct. 2013 from http://theendofevil.wordpress.com/2012/12/21/why-we-read-the-importance-of-being-well-read-and-widely-read/

Tannenbaum, K. (2008). Relationships between measures of word knowledge and reading comprehension.  Ann Arbor, MI: ProQuest LLC.