QUESTION 1
1.1. Provide and justify TWO (2) reasons why reading is considered an essential life skill.
Reading Builds the Foundation for Learning
Reading is a core skill that supports nearly every area of life, especially learning. From an early age,
the ability to read with understanding plays a central role in a person's ability to absorb new
information. Whether it’s understanding a math problem, following instructions, or writing an essay,
reading is at the heart of it. Without this skill, learners struggle to keep up, and everyday tasks can
quickly become confusing or overwhelming. Strong reading skills open the door to being informed,
capable, and better prepared for opportunities later in life.
Reading is Key to Safety and Survival
Reading is also essential for staying safe and making smart decisions in everyday situations. Whether
it’s reading warning signs, medicine labels, or emergency instructions, being able to understand
written information can directly impact your well-being. In critical moments—like an emergency on
an airplane or using medication safely—reading the instructions accurately can make the difference
between safety and harm. Even when images are included, knowing how to read and act on written
directions is often crucial.
1.2. Explain why it is important for learners to develop reading skills in the foundation phase of
schooling.
It’s important for learners to develop reading skills in the foundation phase because this is when the
brain is most receptive to language development. Learning to read at this stage helps children build a
strong foundation for vocabulary, spelling, and grammar, all of which are key to understanding and
using language effectively. These early reading experiences support cognitive growth and set the
stage for success across all subjects later on, since reading is a skill that underpins most academic
work.
Reading also plays a big role in developing a child’s imagination, emotional understanding, and
creativity. Through stories, children are introduced to new places, ideas, and feelings. This exposure
helps them learn empathy and relate to experiences beyond their own. As they listen to or read
stories, they begin to make connections, predict outcomes, and think critically. These activities help
sharpen their thinking and spark creativity, whether it’s through imagining different endings,
illustrating scenes, or creating stories of their own.
In addition, reading teaches important listening and concentration skills. Paying attention to a story
being read aloud helps children practice focus and patience, while also learning how to follow the
flow of ideas. All of these skills—language, focus, creativity, and emotional awareness—are most
effectively developed when reading is introduced and encouraged from the earliest years of
schooling.