Context:\

Reading comprehension is a crucial skill that plays a significant role in academic success, especially in
subjects like English language arts, social studies, and science. However, many students struggle to
understand what they read, which can lead to frustration, poor grades, and disengagement from
learning. One factor that may contribute to students' reading comprehension skills is their interest in
reading. When students are interested in what they are reading, they are more likely to engage with the
text, make connections, and retain information. Therefore, it is essential to understand the impact of
students' interest in reading on their reading comprehension skills.

Rationale:\

Research has shown that students who are interested in reading have better reading comprehension
skills than those who are not interested. When students are interested in reading, they are more likely
to read for pleasure, which exposes them to a variety of texts and genres. This exposure broadens their
vocabulary, improves their understanding of sentence structure, and enhances their ability to infer and
analyze information. Students who read for pleasure also develop a more positive attitude towards
reading, which can lead to increased motivation and self-efficacy in reading.

Furthermore, students who are interested in reading are more likely to engage with the text actively.
They may ask questions, make predictions, and connect the information with their prior knowledge.
Active reading promotes deep understanding and critical thinking, which are essential skills for academic
success. In contrast, students who are not interested in reading may lack the motivation to engage with
the text actively, resulting in limited comprehension skills.

In conclusion, students' interest in reading plays a crucial role in their reading comprehension skills.
Educators should promote and nurture students' interest in reading to improve their comprehension
skills, which will ultimately lead to academic success.