---
title: "Importance of reading books (Of Studies)"
subject: "Communication English"
chapter: 2
key: "semester_5/communication_english:importance-of-reading-books"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_5/communication_english/importance-of-reading-books
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Importance of reading books (Of Studies)

Communication English · Chapter 2: Extensive Reading

- Asked in: 2068 Chaitra, 5 marks
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_5/communication_english/importance-of-reading-books
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_5/communication_english/chapter-2

## Question

What is the importance of reading books in our life? [Of studies]

## Short answer

Reading supplies knowledge, delight, mental growth, language skill, and better judgment. It builds character and aids careers, but must be balanced with experience and approached thoughtfully.

## Answer

Francis Bacon, in "Of Studies", and common experience show that reading is among the most valuable habits in life. Books bring many benefits.

#### Importance of reading
1. **Source of knowledge.** Books store the experience and discoveries of many people over centuries. Reading gives access to science, history, literature and skills which we could not gain alone.
2. **Delight.** Reading gives pleasure and fills leisure time well. Bacon says that studies serve "for delight", especially in private hours.
3. **Mental development.** Reading sharpens thinking, memory, imagination and concentration. Bacon notes that reading makes "a full man", that is, a person with plenty of knowledge.
4. **Ornament.** A well-read person speaks and writes with ease and elegance, which gives him a good place in society.
5. **Ability and judgement.** Study improves practical judgement and the capacity to manage affairs.
6. **Language skill.** Reading improves vocabulary, grammar and style.
7. **Character.** Good books give moral lessons and inspire; Bacon says that "studies pass into character" and each kind of book can cure a mental defect.
8. **Careers and progress.** Engineers, doctors and others need to read to remain up to date.

#### Cautions
Bacon advises reading wisely: not to contradict or to show off, but "to weigh and consider"; choosing books carefully; and balancing reading with experience.

Thus books are a lasting source of knowledge, pleasure, wisdom and character.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. According to Bacon, what do studies serve 'for delight'?
   A. Winning arguments
   B. Pleasure especially in private hours and leisure time
   C. Passing exams
   D. Showing off in company
   Answer: B. Reading fills leisure time well. (Key point: Delight)

2. What does Bacon mean by 'studies pass into character'?
   A. Good books give moral lessons that shape character
   B. Studies change a person's name
   C. Reading makes a person lazy
   D. Only character matters, not study
   Answer: A. Each kind of book can cure a mental defect. (Key point: Character)

3. According to Bacon, reading makes a 'full man'. What is that?
   A. A person who eats well
   B. A person who talks too much
   C. A person who is wealthy
   D. A person with plenty of knowledge
   Answer: D. Reading gives mental development and knowledge. (Key point: Full man)

4. What caution does Bacon give about reading?
   A. Read only to contradict others
   B. Read as many books as possible
   C. Read to weigh and consider, not to contradict or show off
   D. Avoid practical experience
   Answer: C. Reading should be wise and balanced with experience. (Key point: Cautions)

## Related in Communication English

- [Of Studies: books to be tasted or digested](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fcommunication_english%3Abooks-tasted-swallowed-digested) — Communication English, chapter 2
- [Interpret: reading books (Bacon)](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fcommunication_english%3Ainterpret-read-not-to-contradict-books) — Communication English, chapter 1, asked 2×