This study aimed to identify which variables can predict ninth grade students academic achievement: reading motivation or verbal intelligence, while controlling for variables related to gender, parents' marital status and the parents' educational level. The sample consisted of (640) students from ninth-grade basic schools in Muscat Governorate, and enrolled in the academic year 2011/2012. Three tools were used to answer the questions of the study as follow: verbal intelligence test, questionnaire of motivation to read and students' academic achievement at the end of the first semester. Multiple regression analyses were used with both ways: the simple (Enter) and gradual (Stepwise). The results showed the presence of three variables, that can predict scholastic primary achievement, which were intelligence verbal, females, and educational level of the father. These variables combined interpreted 36.7% of variation in the scholastic achievement of ninth-grade students in Muscat Governorate. According to the findings, the researcher recommended that teachers use verbal intelligence test; to enrich students with high levels of achievement, and prepare special programs for students with low levels of verbal intelligence.