There is a strong link between reading and academic success. Discuss.

You should write at

least 350 words. [60 marks]

A) Agree
Thesis Statement:
Academic success is based on knowledge and reading provides direct access to knowledge, a variety of
knowledge and transfer of knowledge.

Topic Sentence 1: First and foremost, reading provides direct access to knowledge as it is the most
convenient and the fastest way to learn something because doing hands-on experiments for every single
theory is too time-consuming.

Topic Sentence 2: Secondly, reading has a strong link to academic success because through reading we
will be exposed to a huge variety of knowledge, theories and information from various different sources
all around the world.

Topic Sentence 3: Last but not least, reading leads directly to academic success because information
from all sources is transferred directly to the mind which can then be used to answer examination
questions well with excellent results and performance.

Topic Sentence 4: However, reading alone cannot guarantee success as academic success also has strong
links with a persons IQ level, hands-on practical training and experimentation as well as intrinsic and
extrinsic motivational factors to name just a few.

Conclusion/Recommendation: Education ministry should focus more on teaching reading skills in SPM
level similar to the MUET format where reading paper is given 40% weighting compared to writing (30%),
listening and speaking (15% each)

B) Neutral:
Thesis Statement:
Academic success depends on not just one but a combination of factors which include reading and other
factors such as IQ level and hands-on practical.

Topic sentence 1: Firstly, reading provides the fastest and most direct access to information from various
sources which saves time because hands-on experimentation is too time consuming.

Topic Sentence 2: In addition, reading leads directly to academic success because information from all
sources is transferred directly to the mind which can then be used to answer examination questions well
with excellent results and performance.

Topic Sentence 3: On the contrary, a persons intrinsic character is a stronger link to academic success as
our own IQ, abilities and interests as well as motivation will contribute heavily to our academic success.

Topic Sentence 4: Furthermore, reading is quite a weak link because it only provides theories whereas
hands-on practical experiences will increase understanding and performance as a persons ability to
recall or apply the information just by reading cannot be guaranteed.

Conclusion/Recommendation: Academic success is a synergy of factors involving the student himself, his
IQ and his ability to master not just reading but writing, listening, speaking and all other soft skills that
when combined, determines his academic success.

C) Disagree
Thesis Statement:
Academic success is determined not mainly by reading, in fact, it is a weak link because reading refers to
only the theories, reading does not determine ability to recall theories and the ability to apply the
theories you have read to real life cannot be guaranteed.

Topic Sentence 1: First and foremost, reading is a weak link because it is a two dimensional activity
where a person reads the words but may not be able to fully understand what is being read because this
is determined by a persons IQ level.

Topic Sentence 2: Secondly, reading does not mean a person will be able to remember all the
information and theories read as again, this depends on a persons own mental ability.

Topic Sentence 3: Lastly, the act of reading alone is not a guarantee of a person being able to apply the
information successfully in real life similar to the fact that reading a flying manual does not make one
qualified to fly a plane.

Topic Sentence 4: Conversely, there is still a strong link between reading and academic success as
reading is necessary to access to information from all sources in the most cost effective, time-saving and
convenient way.

Conclusion/Recommendation Reading is an important core of achieving academic success but the ability
to read well is determined by each individuals inner character and their IQ as well as how they handle
stressful conditions like examinations in order to achieve excellence in academia.