The research paper analyzes the main features of ability to read and its influence on studens learning. The investigation was conducted between III – IV formers according to the development of their reading ability, an average time needed to fullfil the reading task correctly as well as teachers’ opinion was analyzed. 171 studens (76 girls and 95 boys) and 60 teachers took part in this research. The research revealed that ability to read is one of the most important parts in the process of learning and it can influence learning in a positive way as well as in a negative way.