Yes because let’s say a teacher has assigned you to read a specific book and tells you “ You are to read 10 pages a day and by the end of this semester, you will be tested on the book. Please take good notes and bookmark any important pages.” If you read the requested amount, plus taking good notes, you will be able to study them and be in good shape on the day of the test. If you choose to procrastinate or not read, you might end up having to read the ENTIRE book in one night (which is not fun). Not only will that be difficult but your brain might not be able to retain all that info at one time. Meaning you will not be in good shape for the test and might end up with a rather trashy score :/ So yes, independent reading does effect test scores. And remember to tackle any procrastination if you do not want to stay up at 3 am reading a book! You got this!