Tasks on Text B

1. Match the reasons from Text B with those from Text A.

2. Add your own ideas.

In Text C you are given some reasons why reading has become less popular activity. Think over some solutions to the problems listed.

TEXT C

Why We Don't Read

Americans just don't read literature. That fact has been proven by studies conducted by the National Endowment for the Arts. But, the question I always want to ask is, " Why don't we read? " Are there solutions that we can come up with to reverse the problem and make reading literature a more popular activity? Here are a few reasons I've heard people use to explain why they haven't picked up a good book in months (or even years).

Not Enough Time:

Solutions:

Not Enough Money:

Solutions:

Not Enough Experience:

Solution:

Too Tired:

Solutions:

The Multimedia Experience:

Solutions:

Too Hard:

Solutions:

It's Not a Habit:

Solutions:

Task 1. Match the problems with their possible solutions.

Solution 1.

1. Make it a habit. Make a point of reading literature on a regular basis.

2. It may not seem like much to read for just a few minutes a day, but it doesn't take much to get into the habit of reading. And, then, try reading for longer periods of time (or reading with a greater frequency throughout the day).

3. Even if you don't enjoy reading books for yourself, why not read a story to your child? You're giving them a great gift (which will prepare them for school, for life, and also be an important bonding experience with you).

4. Share a poem or a short story with a friend.

5. It's not difficult to make books and literature a part of your life.

Solution 2.

1. Take a book with you everywhere.

2. Take advantage of those precious moments that are often wasted:

a. Standing in line

b. Sitting in the waiting room for an appointment

c. Waiting for a passenger (child, friend, or significant other) to join you in a vehicle).

3. Other Ideas: Go SHORT!

a. If you don't have enough time to finish a long novel, read a short book instead.

b. Or read a poem, a story, or some other bit of literature.

4. It's all about feeding your mind even if it's only one bit at a time.

Solution 3.

1. Reading isn't always easy, but it doesn't have to be hard.

a. Don't pick up the huge books, if you know that you'll never have the time or energy to finish them.

b. We read books for many reasons, but you don't have to feel that it's an academic experience (if you don't want it to be). You can read the book to enjoy it.

2. You can pick up a book and have an unforgettable experience: laugh, cry, or sit on the edge of your seat. A book doesn't have to be difficult to be a great read!