Report on Teenagers' Reading Habits
Introduction
The purpose of this report is to examine the current reading habits of teenagers aged 14 to
19, based on recent surveys and interviews conducted at a local secondary school. It also
aims to suggest possible improvements to encourage more frequent reading among
students.
Current Reading Trends
Over the past few years, it has been observed that the number of teenagers who read
books for pleasure has gradually dropped. While some still get stuck into novels, the
majority prefer to spend their free time on social media, video games, or streaming
platforms. Many students admitted they only pick up a book when it is required for school.
Despite this, some genres such as fantasy, graphic novels, and young adult fiction are still
sought after. When asked about their preferences, students frequently mentioned books
that had been turned into movies or series. The popularity of these adaptations has helped
bring some titles back into the spotlight.
Reasons for the Decline
Several factors have been brought up during the interviews. Firstly, students often claim
they are too swamped with schoolwork to read for pleasure. Secondly, the distractions of
technology make it harder to stay focused on a book. Finally, many students stated they
had not been encouraged to read at home or by their peers.
Recommendations
In order to turn things around, a number of strategies could be implemented:
• Set up book clubs tailored to students' interests.
• Organise author visits and interactive reading events.
• Provide more up-to-date and engaging reading material in school libraries.
By making reading more relevant and social, students may be more likely to get into the
habit of reading again.
Conclusion
To sum up, although reading for pleasure is not as common as it used to be, there is still
potential to reignite interest. With the right support and motivation, teenagers can be
encouraged to broaden their reading horizons.
Useful Phrasal Verbs and Idioms Used:
• Get stuck into • Turn things around
• Pick up (a book) • Get into the habit of
• Be swamped with • Broaden one's horizons
• Bring (something) back into the
spotlight
Useful Collocations:
• Reading habits • Up-to-date material
• Free time • Reading for pleasure
• School libraries
Comprehension Activities
Match the statements below with the correct section (A–E) of the report:
A. Introduction 1. Students rarely read unless
required.
B. Current Reading Trends
2. Strategies are suggested to
C. Reasons for the Decline improve reading habits.
3. The goal of the report is
D. Recommendations
presented.
E. Conclusion 4. External distractions are affecting
reading.
5. There is still hope to boost
reading.
Gapped Text. Choose from the list (A–F) to fill the gaps. There is one extra sentence.
A. This has led to a sharp decline in book borrowing at school libraries.
B. Others mentioned that reading helps them escape from daily stress.
C. Students said they felt pressured by constant notifications from their phones.
D. As a result, they struggle to concentrate on a book for more than a few minutes.
E. Teachers believe reading should be integrated into digital platforms.
F. When asked, some students said they would read more if their friends did too.
1. __________ Many also said they find books too long or boring.
2. __________ This makes it harder for reading to compete with other entertainment
options.
3. __________ Encouraging peer recommendations might help.
4. __________ Some teachers have noticed a lack of interest in the school library.
Speaking Activities
Discussion Questions:
1. How often do you read for pleasure? What kind of books do you enjoy?
2. Do you think reading books is still important for teenagers today? Why or why not?
3. What would encourage you to read more in your free time?
4. How do films and series based on books affect your interest in reading them?
Group Activity:
• In groups, design a campaign to promote reading at your school. Think about
events, promotions, and ways to involve other students. Present your campaign to
the class.
Role-Play:
• Student A is a librarian trying to encourage reading at school. Student B is a
teenager who prefers gaming and social media. Have a dialogue using at least three
phrasal verbs and one idiom from the report.
TEACHER ANSWER KEY
Multiple Matching
1. B 2. D 3. A 4. C 5. E
Gapped Text
1. D 2. C 3. F 4. A
