The Meaning of Reading

1. Definition

Before the writer takes a conclusion about reading, it is better for him to deliver some definitions about reading from expert. That definition is :

Reading is an active process, communication from writer to reader occurs only if the reader can take meanig to the printed page. Also it is a process to understannd the content of the text which is done by readers to get information, it is givien through writter language and aimed to comprehend the meaning of text.

Mean while M.River below that reading is mostimportant activity in any language class, not only as source of information and a pleasurable activity, but also as mean of consolidating and extending one’s knowledge of the language.

According to webster, reading is material designed to be read, matter for reading or the particular form as a variation in spelling style, syntax, choice of vocabulary used in particular edition or other source of material designed to be read.

Mean while Peter Streven below that reading consists of making out the meaning of written language. It is worth remembering that large numbers of languages do not exist in written form, and that reading and writing are far from aniversal. An analysis of reading must embody an analysis of writing.

Based on above opining it can be concluded that reading is primarily a cognitive activity, i.e. getting meaning although partivular on the beginning level. It is also a physical activity i.e. eye movements.

It can be concluded also that reading is acknowledging the author though words. In reading the reader tries to comprehend what the writer convery through his writing, and by reading someone can get a lot of knowledge and entertaiment which are presented by the author.

Reading is also a way of motivating students to learn the language, when they find it given them access to are as of language. Then reading is an effecive way of extending vocabulary.

2. The objective of teaching reading

Students are able to read texts in the forms of narrtion, description, dialog, and other genres like time-table, brochure, menu, diary, form and letter to :

a.   Get a particular information

b.   Get ageneral information about the text

c.   Identify the main idea explicitly

d.   Identify the main idea implicitly

e.   Get the detail information about the text

f.     Identify implied information

g.   Infer word, phrase and sentence meaning based on the contexts

h.   Get pleasure Reading.

3. Reading influences on students

Certainly the reading has an extremely influence such as to measure an intelligence of quotation of students. This trying was conducted in united state of America for along centuries. Studies shows that school have a significant influence on reading achievement.

The statement above according to encylopedia of America “an individual’s intelligence or mental ability, traditionally has been considered extremely important to the development of his or her ability to read, showing to moderate correlation in primary grades and higher correlation in the middle grades and in high school. This relationship has not been stressed since about 1970 because it has demonstrated that LQ is considered by many to be like reading achievement, highly influenced environmental stimulation from home, school, and community.

So student’s achievement in reading on level equal to that had certain common characteristies such as strong administrative leadershhip. Strong emphasis on reading, a strong phonics program in the early grade, reading specialist for testing and helping students and teacher who provide students with materials of suitable difficulty and who appeal to students thinking ability tend to have better readers than teachers who do not.