What impact does motivation have on reading skills?

Motivation plays a crucial role in developing reading skills, primarily by enhancing engagement and persistence in the reading process. When students are motivated to read, they are more likely to approach texts with enthusiasm and a positive mindset. This increased engagement leads to a deeper connection with the material, which can promote comprehension and retention of information.

Additionally, motivated students are more willing to tackle challenging texts, persevere through difficulties, and explore a wider range of genres and topics. This persistence not only helps in honing their reading abilities but also fosters a lifelong love of reading. A motivated reader is more inclined to set and pursue personal goals related to their reading, which further enhances their skills and overall literacy development.

In contrast, the other options suggest negative outcomes that are not associated with motivation. For instance, decreased student effort and limited exploration point to a lack of engagement, which is generally a sign of low motivation. Similarly, confusion about reading goals typically arises from unclear guidance rather than from high motivation levels. Thus, the positive impact of motivation on engagement and persistence is fundamental to fostering strong reading skills.