when will they learn that reading is good?

reading is one of the ways to improve language acquisition.

that's why i always encourage my students to read.
the question is, how many will heed this advice?
many give reasons such as not having time or language is difficult to understand or newspaper too expensive (huh? they can buy a 10 ringgit topup but can't "afford" to buy $1.50 The Star?".

many times the reasons they gave are just...
reasons for not wanting to do it (the reading).

or if they do read, it'll be materials that are more inclined towards trivial matters such as entertainment gossips.

i'm not asking students to read books or reading materials as thick as a brick. 2 or 3 articles/news on current issues/news in a day is already sufficient for a beginner. unfortunately, some students refuse to admit that their level is "beginners" level. reason? they're adults so they want to be in the adults "reading materials" group.

huh, "is-are-was-were-am" pun tergolek tertonggeng, berangan nak dok dalam group tu...

Nothing is easy in the beginning but...
When there's a will, there's a way.