TOEFL Integrated Writing Practice Test 055Literacy

A recent study shows that people, particularly younger individuals, are reading far fewer works of literature—such as novels, plays, and poems—than they did in the past. This is concerning because the trend has negative consequences for readers, for culture at large, and for the future of literature itself.

Although there has been a general decrease in book reading, the drop has been especially pronounced for literary works. This is unfortunate because nothing else offers the same intellectual stimulation as literature. Literature encourages us to engage our imaginations, develop empathy for others, and deepen our grasp of language. Therefore, by reading less literature, the public is missing out on these important advantages.

Sadly, missing the benefits of literature is not the only issue. What are people choosing to read instead? Consider how self-help books frequently top bestseller lists. These books are often shallow, poorly written, and lack intellectual depth. Moreover, instead of tackling a thought-provoking novel, many people now prefer to watch television, view music videos, or browse websites. Clearly, the time that used to be spent reading literature is being diverted to more trivial entertainment, which has contributed to a decline in overall cultural standards.

This decline in literary reading is particularly regrettable because it comes at a time when excellent literature is still being written. There are many gifted authors today, but they struggle to find an audience. As a result, publishers are likely to reduce their investment in literature, offering less support to serious writers. Consequently, both the writing and the readership of literature are expected to diminish due to the declining standards of today’s readers.