1 Iqra; read. “Read in the name of thy Lord who created”.

The first words of the Holy Quran descended from the heavens to the

Prophet Muhammed (PBUH). The very foundation of the religion of

Islam was one word; read. 

2 According to numerous studies, there are many benefits of reading 5

such as teaches you empathy, increases knowledge, vocabulary

expansion, memory improvement, stronger analytical skills, stronger

writing skills and stress reduction.

3 A child's success at school depends on how much they are exposed 10

to reading from a young age. Reading with children at any age is

absolutely key to success because in the first five years, a child’s brain

is developing quickly and faster than any other time of their life.

4 Reading activities can strengthen a child’s brain and can promote

healthy brain development and can develop a child’s oral language. 15

Reading exposes a child to pictures, letters and words, shapes, sounds

and names. Reading builds a child’s vocabulary and interesting

illustrations and rhymes can encourage them to talk about what they

are seeing and thinking. Children with good oral language will have life 20

success.

5 Reading stories also is a catalyst for a child’s imagination and

curiosity. This will teach them to learn the difference between real and

make-believe. Reading or telling stories is a safe way to explore strong

emotions, which can help children understand change. Also, they learn 25

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 new or frightening events such as going to the dentist or hospital,

6 starting school or making new friends.

In addition, reading books can make parents and children close to

each other because reading makes them share the learning experience

together.

Answer the following questions.

1) From paragraph 1, what was the first word given to our prophet?

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(1 mark)
2) How many benefits of reading mentioned in paragraph 2?

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(1 mark)
3) From paragraph 3, why do we need to read to children at the first five years of
their age?

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(2 marks)
4) From paragraph 4, which word has similar meaning to ‘build up’

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(1 mark)

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Based on the passage given, write a summary on the importance of reading with
children. Include:

Your summary must:

- be in continuous writing form

- use materials from lines 5 to 30

- not be longer than 80 words, including the 10 words given below

Begin your summary as follows:

Reading with children at their young age is important because ………………

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(5 marks)