Why you need to Read long-form
In an era where TikTok reels and Instagram stories dominate our waking moments, the art of reading long-form content seems to be fading. Yet, for students preparing for their General Paper (GP) or aiming to score higher on IELTS, this shift away from in-depth reading couldn't come at a worse time.
The Decline of Deep Reading: A Modern Dilemma
You may not want to hear this, but there's no way you can fully prepare for your GP Paper 1 unless you start early and immerse yourself in long-form content. It's tempting to convince yourself that you're staying informed by reading captions on your socials but that is not going to help you score in an example-rich, and well-argued essay. You laugh, but you know what I mean.
Recent studies paint a concerning picture of our changing reading habits. The National Literacy Trust in the UK found that only 26% of children aged 8-18 read daily in their free time, a sharp decline from 43% in 2015. This drop correlates directly with the rise of social media and video-based platforms. For students in Singapore and Indonesia preparing for key English exams, these trends spell trouble.
The High Stakes of Exam Preparation
Essay writing at tertiary level isn’t just about regurgitating facts; it demands critical thinking, analytical skills, and a broad understanding of complex global issues. How can you possibly develop these skills by limiting yourself to 3-second scrolls on TikTok or Instagram?
Consider this: The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) found that students who regularly engage with challenging texts outperform their peers in writing by 30-40%. Their essays are clearer, more structured, and demonstrate a greater depth of thought. For those aiming to score an A in General Paper or achieve IELTS bands 7 to 9, this difference can be make-or-break.
GP students who do not regularly engage with long-form texts often struggle with essay writing. These essays demand well-planned thoughts, diverse vocabulary, and deep understanding of complex issues. The lack of sustained reading habits results in weaker essays with limited perspectives and simpler language. Studies indicate that exposure to nuanced readings is crucial for developing the analytical skills needed to succeed in these exams.
Similarly, in the IELTS writing section, long-form reading helps you build a broader vocabulary and develop more sophisticated sentence structures. This is particularly important for the essay portion, where higher scores are awarded for coherence, lexical resource, and grammatical accuracy. Without consistent exposure to a variety of reading materials, many candidates fall back on simple language and grammar, limiting their potential scores.
The Power of Long-Form Reading
So, what makes long-form reading so crucial? Let’s break it down.
Vocabulary Enhancement: Exposure to a diverse range of words in context helps you internalize new vocabulary naturally. This is essential for scoring high in IELTS and crafting compelling GP essays.
Critical Thinking Development: Engaging with in-depth articles forces you to analyze arguments, consider multiple perspectives, and form your own opinions – skills that are at the heart of good and original writing.
Improved Concentration: Regular practice with long-form content enhances your ability to focus for extended periods, a necessity when facing hour-long essay questions.
Deeper Understanding of Complex Issues: Global topics frequently appear in GP and IELTS writing tasks. Long-form articles from reputable sources provide the depth of knowledge needed to produce well-informed arguments.
Enhanced Writing Skills: The more you read, the more you subconsciously absorb different writing styles and structures, improving your own writing in the process. In other words, you start to have your own voice.
Real-World Stories
Let's look at some concrete examples. I have to say that students I’ve taught who scored really well are also regular readers of publications like The Economist, The Atlantic, or The New York Times. I know these aren't light reads - they're dense with information, analysis, and polished language.
In Indonesia, students aiming for high IELTS bands attribute their success to daily exposure to English news outlets like the BBC, The Guardian or long-form feature articles from magazines such as Time or National Geographic. I mean, the internet is replete with excellent articles and I am only naming a few! This consistent exposure not only improves their language skills but also broadens their worldview – so important for scoring well even in the IELTS speaking section.
Read Long-Form and you win!
I totally get it – in a world of instant gratification, dedicating time to long-form reading (sadly) may not feel natural nor a priority on most people’s to do list. Yet, you are not “most people”. You have a vision of that dream university that you want to enter badly enough to roll up your sleeves as you say, “Show me the way!”. You're in a marathon, not a sprint. Success in exams like GP and IELTS start with a year or two’s worth of knowledge that you've steadily accumulated. This is what I reiterate in classes:
Start small and start today: Begin with shorter articles and gradually increase the length and complexity of what you read. Holidays are the best periods to catch up on your reading if you’ve neglected it but do not stop after you start…it’s honestly so beneficial for you as a way of life!
Create a reading routine and a favourite reading corner: Set aside dedicated time each day for reading, free from digital distractions. If you have a particular place; a corner or a cafe you love reading in, go there often.
Diversify your sources: Mix it up with newspapers, academic journals, and long-form magazines to expose yourself to various writing styles and topics.
Read actively: Take notes, highlight key points, and summarize what you've read. This engagement helps retention and deepens understanding. Build your Content Bank.
Remember you don’t have to go it alone. I am here to partner you on your journey as you look to achieve your work, study (or even migration goals). Let’s chat over your free 20 minutes consultation here.