All of the following statements about reading skills are true EXCEPT

To determine which statement is not true, we need to gather information about reading skills. The best approach is to list out the statements and analyze each one individually. Let's break it down:

1. Reading skills are essential for academic success.
2. Reading skills improve vocabulary and language comprehension.
3. Reading skills have no impact on critical thinking abilities.
4. Reading skills can be developed and enhanced over time.

Now, we can evaluate each statement to identify the one that is not true:

1. Reading skills are essential for academic success: This statement is generally true since reading is an integral part of most academic tasks, including understanding instructions, textbooks, and research materials.

2. Reading skills improve vocabulary and language comprehension: This statement is also true. Reading exposes individuals to a variety of words, different sentence structures, and context, thereby expanding their vocabulary and improving comprehension.

3. Reading skills have no impact on critical thinking abilities: This statement is not true. Reading, especially complex materials and literature, encourages critical thinking by challenging readers to analyze, interpret, and evaluate information.

4. Reading skills can be developed and enhanced over time: This statement is certainly true. Like any skill, reading skills can be improved through practice, exposure to different genres, and employing various strategies such as active reading, note-taking, and summarizing.

Thus, the statement that is NOT true is: "Reading skills have no impact on critical thinking abilities."