Which of the following activities is most likely to encourage students to read?

Engaging students in activities such as school book fairs and reading contests can significantly encourage reading. These events create a lively and interactive environment that promotes enthusiasm for books and reading. Book fairs expose students to a variety of genres and allow them to choose materials that meet their interests, making the process of selecting books more appealing. Reading contests, on the other hand, add a competitive and social element, encouraging students to read more to achieve goals, win prizes, or earn recognition among their peers. This mix of choice, excitement, and peer motivation fosters a positive attitude toward reading, making it an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

In contrast, the other options, while they may have their merits, do not create the same enticing environment for reading. Homework assignments, projects, standardized testing preparation, and individual reading reports are often viewed as obligatory tasks rather than enjoyable activities. They may focus more on assessment or compliance rather than fostering a love for reading and exploration of literature. Therefore, school book fairs and reading contests stand out as the most effective in actively encouraging students to read.