Reading is a major component to life. Everyday millions of words are read, but sometimes I wonder does reading even matter? It may help with expanding your vocabulary and advancing your literacy but why must we always read and work to get better?

            Reading is always enforced in school and a certain number of books and the certain level of reading are also enforced for each class. But why must we read? Reading challenges oneself if the reading level is more challenging then what has been read before. It helps the brain make connections to things and you become smarter and learn more. Reading teaches you a skill that is always need. Reading is such a common thing to do. It is also entertaining and helps with the imagination. By reading different genres of books one may come to realize there is something they may enjoy and pick it up as a hobby such as volunteering or playing an instrument. It allows for one to escape from the real world and escape into a fantasy world of dragons and spells or aliens and spaceships.

            On the flip side, one may feel that reading is pointless and a waste of time. Reading may be considered more of a chore instead of an enjoyment. Also one may question why reading more challenging books should be a requirement if they can already read the things that are necessary such as menus or directions.

            I personally like to read. I love losing myself in a book and just blocking out the world. But I don’t usually read books that necessarily challenge me; I mostly just read books that interest me. I’m not opposed to challenging myself though. I occasionally read a book I might not normally choose just to mix it up. I think that reading gives you the power to express yourself in a certain genre and people are able to learn more about your interests from a genre. If you read a lot of sci-fi fantasy or maybe historical fiction, people may stop and realize this and have a common interest in you. I think reading is necessary to expand ones way of thinking and improve their literacy.