A teacher asks her learners of class VIII to read a novel by an Indian author and asks them to write an essay giving their views on the novel. What is this known as a reading activity?

Extensive reading involves reading long texts (such as novels) for general understanding, pleasure, and overall meaning rather than detailed analysis of every linguistic feature. Asking students to read a whole novel and respond to it is extensive reading. Intensive reading focuses on short texts read closely for detailed comprehension. Scanning is searching for specific information. Reading for information is a sub-category of intensive reading.