It’s well-known that the number of people who regularly read for pleasure has been steadily declining over the past few decades.

While today's post-secondary students spend considerable time studying academic articles and reading classic novels for literature courses.

It's important to recognize that modern students engage with written content in a variety of ways that were not available in the past, and these alternative forms of media have their own set of benefits. Still, the value of reading full-length books as a hobby, especially among university students, remains significant.

1. Reading Regularly Enhances Grammar

People who read regularly tend to make fewer grammar mistakes in their own writing. There's a clear link between the amount of time spent reading others' work and the number of grammar errors present in personal writing. It’s logical that frequent exposure to well-structured sentences makes it easier to follow these rules when writing.

Over time, as you read texts with minimal errors, you'll begin to notice your own mistakes, even if you can't always pinpoint the specific rule you've violated. For example, many students struggle with formatting dialogue correctly in narrative essays. If you rarely read novels, the rules for positioning quotation marks, commas, and periods in speech can be tricky.

However, if you've spent time reading fiction with plenty of dialogue, following these conventions will become second nature. Whether you're writing a lab report or an annotated bibliography, the grammar skills you pick up through reading will serve you well.

2. Reading Expands Your Vocabulary

Have you ever found yourself struggling to express a complex idea in a paper, knowing what you want to say but not finding the right words? Studies show a clear correlation between frequent reading and an expansive vocabulary.

Reading exposes you to new words and contexts, allowing you to learn their meanings intuitively, often without needing to look up definitions. A larger vocabulary enables you to express ideas more clearly and accessibly.

Moreover, reading different authors introduces you to a variety of writing styles, helping you assess which ones are most effective for different types of writing. For instance, a direct, concise style may work well for persuasive essays, while a more complex, descriptive approach might be better suited for creative writing. Regardless of your field of study, having a strong vocabulary and knowing how to use it effectively is invaluable for academic success.

3. Reading Beyond Your Studies Broadens Your Knowledge

Reading books unrelated to your academic studies can enrich your knowledge and spark new interests. Introducing you to new topics and experiences you might not have encountered otherwise.

4. Reading Full-Length Books Enhances Focus

Recent studies show that up to 70% of students fail to complete their assigned readings for class. While some students lack the time, others struggle with maintaining the attention needed to finish long texts. In today’s fast-paced world, where we’re accustomed to information in short bursts, many students find it hard to concentrate on lengthy books or textbook chapters.

However, students who regularly read for pleasure tend to have better focus because they’re accustomed to dedicating time and attention to a single text.

Developing a reading habit not only makes reading assignments less overwhelming but also improves focus in other areas, such as during lectures or while writing papers. A longer attention span has broad benefits in both academic and personal life.

5. Reading Improves Critical Thinking Skills

A 2012 study found a positive correlation between voluntary reading and higher critical thinking scores (Hawkins). Although reading for pleasure differs from academic reading, both require similar cognitive skills. When you read a novel, you need to track multiple characters and their relationships to follow the plot.

Authors often drop subtle clues that foreshadow events, and attentive readers need to pick up on these hints to fully appreciate the story. As you become immersed in a narrative, you may find yourself predicting plot twists or analyzing character motivations. These mental exercises, such as making inferences or understanding complex situations, are all forms of critical thinking.

The more you read, the more naturally these skills develop, making it easier to analyze academic texts and interpret them in a deeper, more insightful way!