Reading might seem like just a quiet pastime - something to do when the Wi-Fi’s down or when you're avoiding chores, but don’t underestimate its power.
If you’ve ever wondered, “Can reading boost your English?” — then the short answer is yes. The longer answer? It can actually transform the way you perform in your English classes, tests, and especially your final exams.
If you’re a high school student gearing up for your NSC (National Senior Certificate), reading could be your secret weapon. From understanding complex literature in Grade 12 to how to study a poem for an exam, developing strong reading habits has never been more relevant.
And if you’re one of the many students who has searched “how to improve my English marks” don’t worry, you’re in good company. Whether you’re prepping for exams, hoping to write better essays, or just want to sound a little sharper in class, reading can help in more ways than you think.
Reading: More Than Just Homework
Let’s start with the big question: can reading improve your English? Absolutely.
Firstly, when you read regularly, you expose yourself to new words, varied sentence structures, and different styles of writing. These are all things you need to tackle the kinds of questions you’ll see in your English exam papers.
As you read, you’ll also start to notice how writers develop ideas and play with tone which will give you a leg up when you're asked to analyse texts or write essays in your final matric exams. Not only that, but reading means your vocabulary will naturally expand. No memorising words out of context. You will just start using them!
So yes, it makes a difference. That’s why so many students who consider how to improve their English marks eventually find their way back to reading. It’s not just helpful, it’s essential.
Reading for Matric Exam Success
As a South African learner, you’ll know that English Paper 1 and Paper 2 in the National Senior Certificate exams (NSC) are two very different beasts. Paper 1 deals with unseen texts, comprehension, summaries, and transactional writing while Paper 2 is where you have to demonstrate your literature, poetry, and drama knowledge.
Paper 2 will test you on the set works you’ve been reading. This could include a Shakespeare play like Othello or a novel like Life of Pi. If you’re trying to boost your grade in this section, reading isn’t just helpful, it’s non-negotiable. There is no way you can wing it on a book you have barely looked at.
Now let’s say you’re thinking about which book can improve English the most.
In truth, it’s not just about what you read, but how you read it.
Even if it’s a school-prescribed novel, if you engage with the characters, note the themes, and spot techniques, your understanding of the text will deepen, and this will be reflected in your interpretation of it at exam time.
Reading beyond the setwork books is also vital for improving your English grades. Whether it’s mystery or adventure fiction, poetry, or even the news, it all helps to train your brain to analyse and interpret – skills that are vital if you're still wondering how to improve your English marks.
How to Study a Poem for an Exam
Let’s talk poetry, the section that many learners dread. If you’re wondering how to study a poem for an exam, know this: poetry isn’t a riddle to solve; it’s an experience to understand.
And yes, reading helps here too. The more poems you read, the more comfortable you get with rhythm, rhyme, and the sneaky tricks poets love to use. You’ll learn to spot metaphors, similes, and alliteration and more importantly, you’ll even understand why they’re used.
By building your reading stamina, you’ll become more confident in interpreting a poem on the spot, even if you’ve never seen it before. Remember that because poems feature prominently in Paper 2, your marks in this section can definitely improve with practice.
Try this when studying poetry: read the poem aloud, annotate as you go, and ask yourself, “What’s the poet trying to say here?” It’ll feel awkward at first, there’s no doubt, but the more you read, the easier it gets.
Comprehension: The Unseen Advantage
Now, let’s focus on Paper 1, which includes the comprehension section. Here, you’re given an unfamiliar text and asked to analyse it, pull out the main ideas, and maybe even summarise it.
Students often panic when they get to this section. But if you’re reading regularly, you’ll have an edge.
You’ll already be used to working through new material, picking out the main ideas quickly, and responding with structure and clarity. That’s what comprehension is all about.
So next time you think, can reading improve my English score in this section? The answer is, a 100% yes. Also, remember that when time is tight, reading efficiently could be the difference between finishing strong or running out of time.
Read Every Day: Small Gains, Big Results
Improving your English doesn’t mean burying your head in your study guides for hours every night. Rather, even ten or fifteen minutes of reading a day can make a huge difference.
The trick is to stay consistent and vary your content. For instance, you could read a novel one week, poetry the next and a newspaper, the next. Challenge yourself. The more you read, the easier it becomes to understand and respond to just about anything on your paper.
It’s no surprise that the students who’ve cracked the code to how to improve my English marks are often the ones with a book permanently in their bags.
And remember, every time you sit down with a new book, you’re training your brain to think critically, observe more carefully, and write more fluently.
Searching English Tutors Near Me
Even with all the extra reading in the world, your search for English tutors near me can still lead to powerful gains. Sometimes, all it takes is someone explaining things in a way that clicks for you. That’s where tutoring can be a game-changer.
Here’s a tip for your English tutor search – instead of wasting hours on the internet with endless scrolling that leaves you overwhelmed, you could head straight to Superprof. Here, you will find heaps of in-person and online English tutors. You can read reviews from other students and find out quite a lot about them just from their profile pages. An added benefit is Superprof tutors are encouraged to offer their first lesson for free so that you can assess how compatible you (and your goals) are! If remote learning suits you, consider hiring an online English teacher for flexible support.
Remember that whether it’s understanding prescribed texts, unpacking poetry, or improving your essay writing, tutors can tailor sessions to your exact needs.
So, if you’re serious about boosting your grade, you could combine your reading routine with the support of an expert for a truly winning combo.
Don’t Stop With Matric
Finally, if you’re wrapping up your Grade 12 year soon, don’t let your reading habit end with your matric exams. If you’re heading into tertiary studies, whether you’re writing essays, doing research, or participating in seminars, your reading skills will be just as important
On Superprof, or in your search for a private English tutor, you’ll find many tutors who offer university-level support too.
The Ultimate Verdict: Can Reading Improve Your English?
By now, you know the answer. Whether you’re tackling comprehension, interpreting poetry, or writing a killer literature essay, reading in your own time will help.
It sharpens your thinking, boosts your vocabulary, and gives you the confidence to handle whatever question gets thrown your way in the exam.
Remember, when it comes to that question: which book can improve English, any book is better than no book. Grab something challenging, beautifully written, and enjoyable.
Remember that whatever you read helps, especially if you commit to doing a little bit every day, and when you combine that with the support of a private English tutor, you’ll be well on your way to an impressive English grade.
So, next time someone asks how can I improve my English marks, just smile and hand them a good book.
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