Resources

Learning through Entertainment

Rakibul Hasan

Participants discussing literature during an engaging session. Courtesy : British Council

Reading books can be fun and entertaining while at the same time, it is an essential tool for learning a language. Students who want to improve their English skills can achieve a good command over the language by exploring the world of English literature. With a view to providing the students with the opportunity of reading world literature in the English language, the British Council Resource Centre is organising a Book Reading Competition for primary, secondary, higher-secondary and university going students. While the main purpose of the competition is to encourage the habit of reading, it also aims for students to delve deeper into the world of books through reading, writing reviews and participating in a final evaluation test.

At the school level of the competition, students from classes 1 to 10 are eligible to participate, while for the university students the competition will run on three levels. Students start from level 1 and then complete the next two in close succession. To participate in the competition, students require individual membership which costs Tk 200 for each student. Presently, the competition is going on in several educational institutions in and out of Dhaka.

A large number of books of various genres has been carefully selected according to the different age groups. Students who excel in the final assessment will receive certificates from the British Council along with attractive prizes. The highest scorer at the competition from a school or a university will get free English language classes at the British Council while the next five high scorers will get free memberships of the British Council Resource Centre.

Commenting on the objectives of the Book Reading Competition, Sarwat Masuda Reza, manager of the British Council Resource Centre says, “The main objective of this book reading competition is to encourage the students to read the world classics in English. Getting introduced to some of the best works of world literature will help students build their knowledge of the world, besides developing their English skills.”

Dr. Binoy Barman, Assistant Professor and Head, Department of English, Daffodil International University, a participant institution at British Council's book reading competition says, “We decided to take part in the competition in Daffodil International University as we believe that students can learn English effectively through reading interesting fictional texts in that language. Since our students have shown tremendous interest in it, we would like to continue it through all the three phases and even take initiatives to incorporate it into the existing English language courses in different departments of the university.” Muhammad Mazharul Anwar, a teacher of Saint Joseph Higher Secondary School, another participant institution at the book reading competition says, “Students would rather spend their time watching satellite TV channels or on the social networking sites. The British Council's book reading competition will inspire them to read more books by introducing them to the wonders of world classics. If we can grow a habit of reading amongst our youngsters, we can ensure an enlightened society.”

Books can expand our horizons by letting us discover a whole new world of knowledge and fun. The habit of reading books provides the students with information which is more effective than simple class discussions. So, if one is passionate about books and wants to explore the treasure troves of world literature, being a part of British Council's Book Reading Competition will not be a wrong decision.

ons. So, if one is passionate about books and wants to explore the treasure troves of world literature, being a part of British Council's Book Reading Competition will not be a wrong decision.