Reading is not an exceptional skill among people these days. In developed countries, most people read and use this skill. However, there is a noticeable decline in the interest of young people in reading literature as a form of entertainment, the possibility of deepening their knowledge. Books are being replaced by computers, the Internet and social media. However, it is proven that reading is one of the best teaching methods. The author summarizes the essential characteristics of the concept of "text-centric approach", reveals ways of using text in Ukrainian language lessons in high school and chooses exercises and tasks, which provide efficiency of students' preparation for further education in modern universities. Under results of the study, we come to the conclusion that the implementation of text-centric approach will contribute to improving the generalization and systematization of students' knowledge and forming their speech abilities and skills, and systematic work with texts of different genre and stylistic identity, including professionally oriented, makes it possible to transfer knowledge to students about the chosen profession.