by M. J. Joachim

Created on: November 07, 2009

Reading is one of the most important things you can learn to do in life. It is a form of communication that allows you to see how others view things, without engaging in heated debates about them. It offers you a way to explore the world, and set aside preconceived notions or judgments, thereby decreasing your ignorance on a variety of topics. People who like to read become better writers.

*Reading encourages better communication: Writing is an amazing avenue for social interaction. When writers read a lot, they employ learned strategies to combine sequences of words that will get their point across, or relay a definitive message. These ideas are then hopefully shared with the world, making an impact of certain consequence. Those who become enthralled with the concepts expressed by the writer, have a greater capacity to communicate with others on issues as they come up for discussion. And in fact, writers themselves receive valuable insights when participating in conversation sparked by something that has been written and subsequently read.

*Reading helps writers learn the mechanics of writing: The more a writer reads, the more he will be exposed to proper grammar, providing he chooses to read content written with that in mind. Writers who read are exposed repeatedly to the rules of grammar etiquette, thereby making it second nature for them in their own works. They become well versed in spelling because they continuously see the correct spelling of words, and punctuation skills are increased when they see appropriate usage in their sources.

*Reading increases vocabulary for writers: Writers who read are exposed to the words of the world, ever increasing as new ones are added to the dictionary. They learn synonyms, homonyms, and antonyms strictly by default as they read them in the books they choose to enjoy. As their quest for new information increases, they become acquainted with new words they might never have known before, which can now be added to their repertoire of utterances.

*Reading builds upon itself, increasing knowledge: Writers have insatiable appetites when it comes to being educated. They always seem to want more, and they continue reading and researching, in a never ending quest to satisfy their longing. Writers understand that a little bit of knowledge can be dangerous, while enormous amounts of material need to be broken down, and expressed in ways that are acceptable to people who want specific information quickly. As a writer's expertise increases, so does his ability to share important information with others.

Reading helps writers become better at their craft by reinforcing what they already do naturally, and helping them build upon it. A perpetual cycle ensues, strengthening the power of the writer's words, and enabling him to challenge the norms of society, conquer the fears of the unknown, and overcome the barriers of self destruction, all because he cared enough to take the time to read about his subject, and compose his message thoughtfully.

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