The document discusses the process and benefits of reading. It describes reading as a complex cognitive process involving decoding symbols to derive meaning through interaction between the text and reader. There are three main theories of reading comprehension: schema theory involving prior knowledge, mental model theory creating a story in one's head, and proposition theory constructing main ideas. The benefits of reading include mental stimulation, stress reduction, knowledge gain, vocabulary expansion, memory improvement, analytical thinking, focus, better writing skills, tranquility, and free entertainment. Overall, reading provides a variety of cognitive benefits and is an efficient way to learn.

1. The Process,
Theories and Benefits
of Reading

2. What is Reading?
Reading is a complex “Cognitive Process” of
decoding symbols in order to construct or derive
meaning.
Like all languages, it is a complex interaction
between the text and the reader which is shaped by
the reader’s prior knowledge, experiences, attitude,
and language community which is culturally and
socially situated.

3. Reading process requires continuous practice,
development and refinement. Reading is not
only recognizing words but also understanding
and it requires critical analysis.

4. There are three major theories of reading comprehension:
Schema Theory;
Mental Model Theory; and
Proposition Theory

5. Gunning (1996) defines Schema Theory as
the organized knowledge that one already
has about people, places, things, and
events.

6. Mental Model Theory, on the other hand, is a
model that can be thought of as a movie
created in one’s head, based on the reading
content. The reader focuses in on the main
character and creates a mental model of the
circumstances in which the character finds him
or herself.

7. Lastly, Gunning explained that Proposition
Theory involves the reader constructing a
main idea or macrostructure as they
process the text. These main ideas are
organized in a hierarchical fashion with the
most important things given the highest
priority to be memorized.

8. Steps of Reading Comprehension:

9. Reading books ( especially novels and fictions ) can help you in real life!
Neuroscientists have discovered that reading
a novel can improve brain function on a
variety of levels.
The researchers found that becoming engrossed in a novel
enhances connectivity in the brain and improves brain function.
Interestingly, reading fiction was found to improve the reader's
ability to put themselves in another person’s shoes and flex the
imagination in a way that is similar to the visualization of a
muscle memory in sports.

11. Benefits of Reading
1.) Mental Stimulation
Studies have shown that staying mentally stimulated can slow the
progress of (or possibly even prevent) Alzheimer’s and Dementia, since
keeping your brain active and engaged prevents it from losing power.
2.) Stress Reduction
A well-written novel can transport you to
other realms, while an engaging article will
distract you and keep you in the present moment,
letting tensions drain away and allowing you to
relax.

12. 3.) Knowledge
Everything you read fills your head with new bits of
information, and you never know when it might come in handy.
4.) Vocabulary Expansion
This goes with the above topic: the more
you read, the more words you gain exposure
to, and they’ll inevitably make their way into
your everyday vocabulary.

13. 5.) Memory Improvement
Every new memory you create forges new synapses (brain
pathways)and strengthens existing ones, which assists in short-term
memory recall as well as stabilizing moods.
6.) Stronger Analytical Thinking Skills
That same ability to analyze details also comes in handy
when it comes to critiquing the plot; determining whether it was a
well-written piece, if the characters were properly developed, if the
storyline ran smoothly, etc.
7.) Improved Focus and Concentration
When you read a book, all of your attention is focused on
the story—the rest of the world just falls away, and you can
immerse yourself in every fine detail you’re absorbing.

14. 8. Better Writing Skills
This goes hand-in-hand with the expansion of your
vocabulary: exposure to published, well-written work has a
noted effect on one’s own writing, as observing the cadence,
fluidity, and writing styles of other authors will invariably
influence your own work.
9. Tranquility
In addition to the relaxation that accompanies reading a good
book, it’s possible that the subject you read about can bring about
immense inner peace and tranquility.
10.) Free Entertainment
Libraries have books on every subject
imaginable, and since they rotate their stock and
constantly get new books, you’ll never run out of reading
materials.

15. But do you ever wonder why women reads more
than men do?
 Majority of the reader’s number are women. It is said that this
happens because almost every story reflects a female point of
view.
 Women know how to read properly, while men have a desultory
and, at best, casual approach to books: this is the finding of a
survey into the nation's literary habits.

17. “From a lifestyle balance perspective, reading is an essential
activity for most people,” says Tom Horvath, a clinical
psychologist and president of Practical Recovery, a self-
empowering addiction treatment system in San Diego, Calif.
“It is the most efficient way to learn a great deal of things.
There’s value to reading anything because of what reading
does for your brain.”

18. In short, we can gain lots of
benefits from reading. Instead of
travelling and adventuring
outdoors, you can experience life
just by opening a book.

19. It exercises not just our mind, but also our personality.
There are so many people that develops their personality and traits
just by opening a book. They shaped their characteristics through flipping pages
and adapting some helpful tips and experiences they have red.