The importance and development of reading skills for UG students

Reading is a crucial skill that supports education and personal growth. This study explores various reading skills, strategies to improve them, and their impact on academic performance. It also examines the effectiveness of guided reading in enhancing comprehension. The research is based on the hypothesis that students who actively engage in reading and use dictionaries are more likely to develop a deeper understanding of texts, improve language proficiency, and expand their knowledge. To test this, students participated in a reading activity and completed a response sheet that required scanning, intensive reading, extensive reading, and critical reading. Their responses were analyzed based on the marks scored. Out of 64 students, 07 performed excellently, 23 scored well, 22 had average performance, and 12 scored below average. Additionally, feedback showed that most students found the workshop helpful in improving their reading skills and language competency. The findings confirm that active engagement in reading activities and the use of dictionaries significantly enhance comprehension and knowledge retention. Students also learned to apply different reading techniques effectively. The study concludes that incorporating structured reading activities into education can help students improve their reading skills and overall academic performance.