Задание

Read the text and match the titles to the paragraphs.

Better writing skills

Increase in knowledge

Analytical thinking skills

Free entertainment

Self-improvement

Improved concentration

Preparation for action

Have you ever read an amazing mystery novel, and solved the mystery yourself before finishing the book? That ability to analyze details is important when it comes to determining if it was a well-written piece, if the characters were properly developed, etc. If you happen to discuss the book with others, you’ll be able to state your opinions clearly, as you’ve taken the time to really consider all the aspects involved.

Reading is an essential way which can help you out when you seek help and guidance. In today’s world, getting feedback from other people can make a big impact on your next decision, and the pros and cons of each choice. Read about how to cook a meal; how to play chess; which place is nice for the holiday trip; read the manual before using a new gadget. These all can help you become more prepared before you really get into it.

Reading is a lifelong skill and successful people never stop reading new books. When you read books you learn a lot, broaden your mind and enrich your vocabulary. Well-written works influence one’s own writing; observing the writing styles of other authors will no doubt influence your own style and your choice of words. In the same way that musicians influence one another, writers learn how to craft prose by reading the works of others.

Through reading, you begin to understand the world and yourself more. You begin to have a greater understanding of a topic that interests you; for example: how to build self-confidence, how to plan better before taking action, and how to memorize things better. All of these changes in you start from the reading; through reading, you create a structured path toward a better understanding and better actions to take in the future.

In today’s world, our attention is drawn in a million different directions simultaneously. Working on a task, checking email, and chatting with people online simultaneously is part of everyone’s daily experience. When you read a book, all of your attention is focused on the story – the rest of the world just disappears. If you read for 15–20 minutes before work you’ll be surprised at how much more focused you are once you get to the office.

Reading is the best pastime for many. Many people collect books and have big home libraries. Buying books, however, can be quite expensive. If you visit your local library you can enjoy reading books which you do not have to buy. Libraries have books on every subject imaginable, and since they constantly get new books, you’ll never run out of reading materials. There are also many e-books available online for which you do not have to pay.

Whether it’s fiction or nonfiction, books help give you a greater understanding of the world around you. They introduce you to new characters, new cultures, new philosophies, and new ideas, and even help you build new skills. Everything you read fills your head with new bits of information, and you never know when it might come in handy. The more you read, the better equipped you are to tackle any challenge you’ll ever face.