Grade 7, Task 1: The Lost Art of Reading

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 Once upon a time, in a land far far away, in fact exactly 151.94 million kilometers from the sun was a planet named Earth. Home to a peculiar species called humans. They always had their issues, their ups and downs. Ahem ahem War ahem ahem. However, in a rather odd fashion humans by the 18th century had established an actual intellectual pastime that didn’t include sword fighting or OFF WITH THEIR HEADS. Something so simple yet so ferociously captivating. Reading. The art of matching letters together, creating words, then stretching them into sentences. The world of the imagined.

Reading, as they called it, had many benefits, or so I've read. See what I did there? That being said, some of these so-called benefits are enhanced vocabulary, improved memory, mental stimulation, stress reduction, and knowledge. The list was endless! Reading had always been a fundamental part of their human civilization. From their ancient manuscripts to their modern-day novels. In their world they could be a wondrous wizard battling the dark and evil forces. A dexterous detective solving the toughest mysteries. Or even a voyager exploring unknown galaxies. And yet as time went on, they shunned it from society. The younger generation thought it to be too time consuming, too manipulative and far too creative. You would not believe to what lengths they went to shun it and completely close it out. They created the ruin of their time. Technology. Technology ruled over them, whether or not they believed it. It truly did.

And so, the once cherished art of reading began to fade into the background, replaced by the bright, flashing screens of their new overlord: technology. Now, don’t get me wrong, technology is awesome and brought about so many incredible advancements. It connected people from across the globe, made information accessible at the touch of a button, and even helped in scientific breakthroughs that saved countless lives, But amidst all these wonders, something precious was lost.

The beauty of immersing oneself in a book, of feeling the texture of the pages between one’s fingers, of getting lost in the world of words- it all started to seem antiquated. Reading was no longer the go-to activity for children and adults alike. Instead they turned to their devices, swiping, scrolling and tapping away their lives.

The younger generation, in particular, fell under the spell of this digital enchantment. Video games, social media, and endless streams of online content became their new playgrounds. Books, once seen as gateways to other worlds, were now viewed as relics of a bygone era. Why spend hours reading when you could watch a movie adaptation in just two? Why struggle through complex texts when you could get a summary with a quick search? 

But what was the cost of this shift? It wasn't just the decline in reading skills or the shortening of attention spans. It was the loss of something deeper, something more intrinsic to the human experience. The loss of imagination. The loss of critical thinking. The loss of empathy.

But wait! This isn’t how the story has to go! This hasn’t happened yet! We can still change the narrative! The future lies in your hands. Fellow youth, You are responsible for it! You can save the art of reading! You can save humanity! You can be our savior! Without your help we won't be able to alter the story line and get the happily ever after we deserve. Do you accept this mission? Do you accept the opportunity to be the hero of this story? If so, you must follow my instructions very closely.

Step 1 of Operation Save Humanity.

Talk to your friends, family, and peers about the importance of reading and the negative impact excessive screen time can have on our minds and bodies. Young one, you must use social media, school projects, and community events to spread the message. Show others that while technology has its place, it should not replace the enriching experience of reading…we know how that can end. You need to organize campaigns, create posters, and share your thoughts on various platforms to highlight the benefits of reading and the risks of excessive technology use.

Step 2: Improve Access to Books 

Young one, work towards making books more accessible to everyone. Volunteer at local libraries, start book drives, and advocate for more funding for school libraries. That is the mission that you need to embark on in order to save humanity! Encourage the creation of little free libraries in your community where people can take a book and leave a book. The more accessible books are, the more likely people will read them. Consider setting up reading groups or book clubs to foster a sense of community around reading. Host book fairs and reading events to create excitement and enthusiasm about books.

Step 3: Lead by Example 

Fellow Youth, be the change you want to see. Dedicate time each day to reading and let others see your enthusiasm for it. Share your favorite books and authors with friends and family. Start book clubs to discuss and share the joy of reading with others. Your passion for reading can inspire others to pick up a book and rediscover the magic within its pages. Engage with others in discussions about the books you read, write reviews, and recommend books that have had a profound impact on you. 

In conclusion, while technology continues to shape our world in many positive ways, we must not allow it to overshadow the irreplaceable joys and benefits of reading. The power to change the narrative and preserve the art of reading lies within each of us. By raising awareness, improving access to books, and leading by example, we can ensure that reading remains a vibrant and essential part of our lives. So, fellow youth, do you accept this mission? Will you stand up and be the hero of our story? The future of reading—and perhaps the future of humanity—depends on it. Let’s write our own happily ever after, one book at a time.

Written By: Twarita Verma