Grade 10 Comprehension

TEXT A READING FOR PLEASURE (1) We often see stories in the press about declining reading frequency and concerns that parents are not reading to their children often enough. People should read more because it is believed that everything changes when we read - but just what is meant by this? (2) There is strong evidence linking academic attainment with reading for pleasure. [5] We know that academic attainment is of vital (utmost) importance, but the benefits of reading for pleasure go beyond this and stretch throughout a person's life. Although free voluntary reading alone will not ensure attainment of the highest levels of literacy, it will at least ensure an acceptable level. (3) Reading for pleasure means any reading that is primarily for enjoyment. It [10] encompasses a wide range of genres and publications, and includes both fiction and non-fiction. (4) When children read for pleasure, when they get “hooked on books”, they acquire, involuntarily and without conscious effort, nearly all of the so-called “language skills”. They will become adequate readers, acquire a large vocabulary, develop [15] the ability to understand and use complex grammatical constructions, develop a good writing style, and become good spellers. (5) Research found that reading for pleasure can result in increased empathy, improved relationships with others, reduction in the symptoms of depression and dementia, and improved wellbeing. There is evidence of a correlation between [20] reading for pleasure and a reduced risk of dementia in later life. (6) In addition to the health benefits, reading for pleasure has social benefits and can improve our sense of connectedness to the wider community. It increases our understanding of our own identity, improves empathy and gives us an insight into the world view of others. [25] (7) The benefits of reading are more likely to be felt when reading takes place through free choice. This is why the for pleasure element of reading for pleasure is so important. (8) Reading is not just something that children should do at school; it needs to be an everyday part of our lives, something we choose to do at all ages. [30] [Source: Adapted from www.readingagency.org.uk, published on 3 May 2016] 1.2 What is the link between reading for pleasure and literacy levels as indicated in paragraph 2?

TEXT A READING FOR PLEASURE (1) We often see stories in the press about declining reading frequency and concerns that parents are not reading to their children often enough. People should read more because it is believed that everything changes when we read - but just what is meant by this? (2) There is strong evidence linking academic attainment with reading for pleasure. [5] We know that academic attainment is of vital (utmost) importance, but the benefits of reading for pleasure go beyond this and stretch throughout a person's life. Although free voluntary reading alone will not ensure attainment of the highest levels of literacy, it will at least ensure an acceptable level. (3) Reading for pleasure means any reading that is primarily for enjoyment. It [10] encompasses a wide range of genres and publications, and includes both fiction and non-fiction. (4) When children read for pleasure, when they get “hooked on books”, they acquire, involuntarily and without conscious effort, nearly all of the so-called “language skills”. They will become adequate readers, acquire a large vocabulary, develop [15] the ability to understand and use complex grammatical constructions, develop a good writing style, and become good spellers. (5) Research found that reading for pleasure can result in increased empathy, improved relationships with others, reduction in the symptoms of depression and dementia, and improved wellbeing. There is evidence of a correlation between [20] reading for pleasure and a reduced risk of dementia in later life. (6) In addition to the health benefits, reading for pleasure has social benefits and can improve our sense of connectedness to the wider community. It increases our understanding of our own identity, improves empathy and gives us an insight into the world view of others. [25] (7) The benefits of reading are more likely to be felt when reading takes place through free choice. This is why the for pleasure element of reading for pleasure is so important. (8) Reading is not just something that children should do at school; it needs to be an everyday part of our lives, something we choose to do at all ages. [30] [Source: Adapted from www.readingagency.org.uk, published on 3 May 2016] 1.5 Explain the phrase “hooked on books” (paragraph 4) in your OWN words.

TEXT A READING FOR PLEASURE (1) We often see stories in the press about declining reading frequency and concerns that parents are not reading to their children often enough. People should read more because it is believed that everything changes when we read - but just what is meant by this? (2) There is strong evidence linking academic attainment with reading for pleasure. [5] We know that academic attainment is of vital (utmost) importance, but the benefits of reading for pleasure go beyond this and stretch throughout a person's life. Although free voluntary reading alone will not ensure attainment of the highest levels of literacy, it will at least ensure an acceptable level. (3) Reading for pleasure means any reading that is primarily for enjoyment. It [10] encompasses a wide range of genres and publications, and includes both fiction and non-fiction. (4) When children read for pleasure, when they get “hooked on books”, they acquire, involuntarily and without conscious effort, nearly all of the so-called “language skills”. They will become adequate readers, acquire a large vocabulary, develop [15] the ability to understand and use complex grammatical constructions, develop a good writing style, and become good spellers. (5) Research found that reading for pleasure can result in increased empathy, improved relationships with others, reduction in the symptoms of depression and dementia, and improved wellbeing. There is evidence of a correlation between [20] reading for pleasure and a reduced risk of dementia in later life. (6) In addition to the health benefits, reading for pleasure has social benefits and can improve our sense of connectedness to the wider community. It increases our understanding of our own identity, improves empathy and gives us an insight into the world view of others. [25] (7) The benefits of reading are more likely to be felt when reading takes place through free choice. This is why the for pleasure element of reading for pleasure is so important. (8) Reading is not just something that children should do at school; it needs to be an everyday part of our lives, something we choose to do at all ages. [30] [Source: Adapted from www.readingagency.org.uk, published on 3 May 2016] 1.6 Mention any language skill that a child may acquire when they read for pleasure. (Paragraph 4)

TEXT A READING FOR PLEASURE (1) We often see stories in the press about declining reading frequency and concerns that parents are not reading to their children often enough. People should read more because it is believed that everything changes when we read - but just what is meant by this? (2) There is strong evidence linking academic attainment with reading for pleasure. [5] We know that academic attainment is of vital (utmost) importance, but the benefits of reading for pleasure go beyond this and stretch throughout a person's life. Although free voluntary reading alone will not ensure attainment of the highest levels of literacy, it will at least ensure an acceptable level. (3) Reading for pleasure means any reading that is primarily for enjoyment. It [10] encompasses a wide range of genres and publications, and includes both fiction and non-fiction. (4) When children read for pleasure, when they get “hooked on books”, they acquire, involuntarily and without conscious effort, nearly all of the so-called “language skills”. They will become adequate readers, acquire a large vocabulary, develop [15] the ability to understand and use complex grammatical constructions, develop a good writing style, and become good spellers. (5) Research found that reading for pleasure can result in increased empathy, improved relationships with others, reduction in the symptoms of depression and dementia, and improved wellbeing. There is evidence of a correlation between [20] reading for pleasure and a reduced risk of dementia in later life. (6) In addition to the health benefits, reading for pleasure has social benefits and can improve our sense of connectedness to the wider community. It increases our understanding of our own identity, improves empathy and gives us an insight into the world view of others. [25] (7) The benefits of reading are more likely to be felt when reading takes place through free choice. This is why the for pleasure element of reading for pleasure is so important. (8) Reading is not just something that children should do at school; it needs to be an everyday part of our lives, something we choose to do at all ages. [30] [Source: Adapted from www.readingagency.org.uk, published on 3 May 2016] 1.7 Refer to paragraph 5. Determine if the following statement is a FACT or an OPINION. Provide a reason for your answer. Reading for pleasure can reduce symptoms of depression.