• Importance Of Reading Essay

Importance of Reading Essay

500+ words essay on reading.

Reading is a key to learning. It’s a skill that everyone should develop in their life. The ability to read enables us to discover new facts and opens the door to a new world of ideas, stories and opportunities. We can gather ample information and use it in the right direction to perform various tasks in our life. The habit of reading also increases our knowledge and makes us more intellectual and sensible. With the help of this essay on the Importance of Reading, we will help you know the benefits of reading and its various advantages in our life. Students must go through this essay in detail, as it will help them to create their own essay based on this topic.

Importance of Reading

Reading is one of the best hobbies that one can have. It’s fun to read different types of books. By reading the books, we get to know the people of different areas around the world, different cultures, traditions and much more. There is so much to explore by reading different books. They are the abundance of knowledge and are best friends of human beings. We get to know about every field and area by reading books related to it. There are various types of books available in the market, such as science and technology books, fictitious books, cultural books, historical events and wars related books etc. Also, there are many magazines and novels which people can read anytime and anywhere while travelling to utilise their time effectively.

Benefits of Reading for Students

Reading plays an important role in academics and has an impactful influence on learning. Researchers have highlighted the value of developing reading skills and the benefits of reading to children at an early age. Children who cannot read well at the end of primary school are less likely to succeed in secondary school and, in adulthood, are likely to earn less than their peers. Therefore, the focus is given to encouraging students to develop reading habits.

Reading is an indispensable skill. It is fundamentally interrelated to the process of education and to students achieving educational success. Reading helps students to learn how to use language to make sense of words. It improves their vocabulary, information-processing skills and comprehension. Discussions generated by reading in the classroom can be used to encourage students to construct meanings and connect ideas and experiences across texts. They can use their knowledge to clear their doubts and understand the topic in a better way. The development of good reading habits and skills improves students’ ability to write.

In today’s world of the modern age and digital era, people can easily access resources online for reading. The online books and availability of ebooks in the form of pdf have made reading much easier. So, everyone should build this habit of reading and devote at least 30 minutes daily. If someone is a beginner, then they can start reading the books based on the area of their interest. By doing so, they will gradually build up a habit of reading and start enjoying it.

Frequently Asked Questions on the Importance of Reading Essay

What is the importance of reading.

1. Improves general knowledge 2. Expands attention span/vocabulary 3. Helps in focusing better 4. Enhances language proficiency

What is the power of reading?

1. Develop inference 2. Improves comprehension skills 3. Cohesive learning 4. Broadens knowledge of various topics

How can reading change a student’s life?

1. Empathy towards others 2. Acquisition of qualities like kindness, courtesy

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Reading and Writing for Understanding

  • Posted July 21, 2005
  • By Sarah O'Brien Mackey

children and teacher reading

Secondary school students can benefit enormously when teachers of all subjects integrate reading and writing strategies into their instruction, according to  Harvard Graduate School of Education Lecturer Vicki Jacobs . These strategies, typical of "reading and writing to learn" and "reading and writing across the curriculum," are problem-solving activities designed to help students move from simply knowing a fact to understanding a fact's significance. Helping students make that leap — from knowing to understanding — represents the very heart of the educational enterprise.

This summary is based on Jacobs' article, " Reading, Writing, and Understanding, " which appeared in the November 2002 edition of Educational Leadership .

Reading to Learn

Jacobs explains that students learn and practice beginning reading skills through about the third grade, building their knowledge about language and letter-sound relationships and developing fluency in their reading. Around fourth grade, students must begin to use these developing reading skills to learn — to make meaning, solve problems, and understanding something new. They need to comprehend what they read through a three-stage meaning-making process.

Stage One: Prereading

It's not uncommon for a struggling secondary reader to declare, "I read last night's homework, but I don't remember anything about it (let alone understand it)!" According to Jacobs, "How successfully students remember or understand the text depends, in part, on how explicitly teachers have prepared them to read it for clearly defined purposes."

During the prereading stage, teachers prepare students for their encounter with the text. They help students organize the background knowledge and experience they will use to solve the mystery of the text. To do so, they must understand the cultural and language-based contexts students bring to their reading, their previous successes or failures with the content, and general ability to read a particular kind of text. Based on this assessment, teachers can choose strategies that will serve as effective scaffolds between the students' "given" and the "new" of the text.

Asking such questions as, "What do I already know and what do I need to know before reading?" or "What do I think this passage will be about, given the headings, graphs, or pictures?" helps students anticipate the text, make personal connections with the text, and help to promote engagement and motivation. Brainstorming and graphic organizers also serve to strengthen students' vocabulary knowledge and study skills.

Stage Two: Guided Reading

Students move on to guided reading, during which they familiarize themselves with the surface meaning of the text and then probe it for deeper meaning. Effective guided-reading activities allow students to apply their background knowledge and experience to the "new." They provide students with means to revise predictions; search for tentative answers; gather, organize, analyze, and synthesize evidence; and begin to make assertions about their new understanding. Common guided-reading activities include response journals and collaborative work on open-ended problems. During guided reading, Jacobs recommends that teachers transform the factual questions that typically appear at the end of a chapter into questions that ask how or why the facts are important.

The ability to monitor one's own reading often distinguishes effective and struggling readers. Thus, guided-reading activities should provide students with the opportunity to reflect on the reading process itself — recording in a log how their background knowledge and experience influenced their understanding of text, identifying where they may have gotten lost during reading and why, and asking any questions they have about the text. As with prereading, guided-reading activities not only enhance comprehension but also promote vocabulary knowledge and study skills.

Stage Three: Postreading

During postreading, students test their understanding of the text by comparing it with that of their classmates. In doing so, they help one another revise and strengthen their arguments while reflecting and improving on their own.

Writing to Learn

Writing is often used as a means of evaluating students' understanding of a certain topic, but it is also a powerful tool for engaging students in the act of learning itself. Writing allows students to organize their thoughts and provides a means by which students can form and extend their thinking, thus deepening understanding. Like reading-to-learn, writing can be a meaning-making process.

Research suggests that the most effective way to improve students' writing is a process called inquiry. This process allows students to define and test what they would like to write before drafting. To help students prepare their arguments, teachers guide them through the three stages of writing-based inquiry:

  • Stating specific, relevant details from personal experience;
  • Proposing observations or interpretations of the text; and
  • Testing these assertions by predicting and countering potential opposing arguments. Through inquiry, students discover and refine something worth writing about.

Writing-to-learn activities can include freewriting (writing, without editing, what comes to mind), narrative writing (drawing on personal experience), response writing (writing thoughts on a specific issue); loop writing (writing on one idea from different perspectives) and dialogue writing (for example, with an author or a character.) "Not surprisingly," writes Jacobs, "writing-to learn activities are also known as 'writing-to-read' strategies — means by which students can engage with text in order to understand it."

Reading, writing, and understanding

The relationship among reading, writing, and understanding is clear. Students engaged in reading-to-learn will also be prepared to write well. In turn, students who are engaged in writing-to-learn will become more effective readers. Through both approaches, students will gain a better understanding of material and a greater ability to demonstrate that understanding.

Staff Development

Jacobs recommends that teachers who are considering whether to implement reading-to-learn and writing-to-learn strategies into their classroom first define their own instructional goals. If teachers decide that their goals for students' learning include "understanding," then they might ask themselves such questions as, "What strategies do I use to prepare my students to read a text?" or "How explicitly do I share with students the purpose of an assignment?" As Jacobs sees it, "Only after teachers have examined whether teaching for understanding suits their instructional goals and after they have defined their role in facilitating understanding can they consider how the principles and practices of reading-to-learn and writing-to-learn might support their instruction."

For those teachers who decide that teaching for understanding does indeed suit their instructional goals, the framework offered in Jacobs' article can help them skillfully integrate reading-to-learn and writing-to-learn strategies across their instruction.

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📖Essay on Importance of Reading: Samples in 100, 150, and 250 Words

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  • Updated on  
  • Nov 11, 2023

Essay on Importance of Education

Language learning requires four skills i.e. Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing. It is an important part that eventually builds up the communication skills of a person. Reading will help in attaining knowledge of variable fields. It enhances the intellect of a person. Reading helps students to enhance their language fluency. Students must adopt the habit of reading good books. Reading books can also improve the writing skills. If you are a school student and searching for a good sample essay on the importance of reading then, you landed at the right place. Here in this blog, we have covered some sample essay on the importance of reading!

This Blog Includes:

Essay on importance of reading in 100 words, essay on importance of reading 150 words, essay on importance of reading 250 words.

Also Read: Essay on Social Issues

The English language is considered the global language because it is the most widely spoken language worldwide. Reading is one of the important parts of acquiring complete knowledge of any language. Reading helps in maintaining a good vocabulary that is helpful for every field, whether in school, interviews , competitive exams , or jobs. 

Students must inculcate the habit of reading from a young age. Making a habit of reading good books will eventually convert into an addiction over time and you will surely explore a whole new world of information.

Being exposed to different topics through reading can help you look at the wider perspective of life. You will eventually discover a creative side of yours while developing the habit of reading.

Also Read: Essay on Gaganyaan

Reading is considered an important aspect that contributes to the development of the overall personality of any person. If a person wants to do good at a professional level then he/she must practice reading.

There are various advantages of reading. It is not only a source of entertainment but also opens up the creative ability of any person. Reading helps in self-improvement, enhances communication skills, and reduces stress. It is one of the sources of pleasure and also enhances the analytical skills. 

Here are some of the best books to study that may help you enhance your reading skills:

  • Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling .
  • To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee .
  • The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri .
  • Pride and Prejudice
  • The Great Gatsby

A person with good reading skills would be able to communicate with more confidence and shine brighter at the professional level. Reading is a mental exercise, as it can provide you with the best experience because while reading fiction, or non-fiction you use your imagination without any restrictions thereby exploring a whole new world on your own. So, Just Enjoy Reading!

Also Read: Communication Skills to Succeed at Work

Reading is a language skill necessary to present yourself in front of others because without being a good reader, it’s difficult to be a good communicator. Reading books should be practiced regularly. Books are considered a human’s best friend.

It is right to say that knowledge can’t be stolen. Reading enhances the knowledge of a person. There are numerous benefits of reading.

I love reading books and one of my all-time favorite authors is William Shakespeare. His work “As You Like It” is my favorite book. By reading that book I came across many new words. It enabled me to add many words to my vocabulary that I can use in my life.

Apart from this, there are many other benefits of reading books such as reading can help you write in a certain way that can impress the reader. It also enhances communication skills and serves as a source of entertainment . 

Schools conduct various competitions which directly or indirectly involve reading. Some such competitions include debate, essay writing competitions, elocution, new reading in assembly, etc. All such activities require active reading because without reading a person might not be able to speak on a specific topic.

All such activities are conducted to polish the language skills of students from the very beginning so that they can do good at a professional level.

In conclusion, in a world of technological advancement, you are more likely to get easy access to online reading material available on the internet. So, you must not miss this opportunity and devote some time to reading different kinds of books. 

Also Read: SAT Reading Tips

Relevant Blogs

Reading is a good habit; It helps to improve communication skills; Good books whether fiction or non-fiction widen your imagination skills; You can experience a whole new world while reading; It helps you establish your professional personality; Reading skills help you interact with other people at a personal and professional level; Improves vocabulary; Reading novels is considered a great source of entertainment; It helps you acquire excessive knowledge of different fields; Reading is motivational and a great mental exercise.

Reading is important to build the overall personality of a person. It establishes a sense of professionalism and improves the vocabulary. Adapting a habit of reading books will help in expanding your knowledge and creativity.

Here are some of the best books for students to read: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People; The Alchemist, The 5 AM Club, Rich Dad Poor Dad, etc.

For more information on such interesting topics, visit our essay writing page and follow Leverage Edu .

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The Importance of Reading and Writing

Filed Under: Essays Tagged With: Education

For many years I thought that writing and reading were only actions that teachers at school tells you to do, but know that I am about to be a teacher, I understand the importance of this two amazing skills that we can practice any time and any occasion. Thru my teenager years, and probably all my life in school, my teachers were always looking for better ways to make students read, at least, for few minutes a day. One thing I remember is that I never read a book when my educators or teachers told me to do it. I was so ignorant that I didn’t understand why they were so into that topic.

Thru the years, I changed my mind about the importance of reading and writing. Now I can tell you that these two essential skills are intimately connected. Parents and teachers need to apply this knowledge all the time, in order to improve children education. What matters here is how to make children and young people read or write. There are millions of strategies about how to make students learn these skills. At first, teachers or parents do not have to make children read or write too much to get them interested. It’s very important to find a specific and easy way to introduce these tools to students without looking too hard.

For example, one of the most effective ways to help children build specific writing skills are to show and discuss with them, models that successfully demonstrate the skill. I remember when I was learning English as my second language; my writing teacher was so interested into getting us to know the importance of the comma in our writing. This sing its very significant because indicate a division in a sentence; as in setting off a word, phrase, or clause, this way, our writing and reading would be more clear and understandable.

The Essay on A Response to “How Teachers Make Children Hate Reading”

... teaching methods still are useful. Works Cited Holt, John. “How Teachers Make Children Hate Reading.” The Norton Reader. Eds. Peterson, Linda et. ... about how teachers should assess and evaluate student writing contradicts many of the modern teaching guides I have read, which posit ... good. For most children, learning how to read is similar to learning a new language, and this skill set improves with ...

Without understanding the connection between sounds and letters, a person cannot read. That? s why I think the connection between reading and writing can help strength these skills in young readers. In simple words, reading and writing are both important; you cannot have one without the other. These are skills that are increased constantly due to little things that are not noticed. Whether it is from a book to a poem there will always be a way that helps out your school performance. Reading and writing, in general, only helps absorb information and complement related writing tasks.

It has also made life itself so much easier because reading and writing are so beneficial for school and for life. Few years ago, I started reading my first book. It was nothing boring or exhausted. First, I went to the library and I walked section by section, until I found the book and the topic that I was interested on reading in that moment. I found out that reading wasn’t that boring; it was like talking with somebody that you don’t even know. It was only giving you advice without asking for anything else.

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essay about the importance of reading and writing

Reading is Good Habit for Students and Children

 500+ words essay on reading is good habit.

Reading is a very good habit that one needs to develop in life. Good books can inform you, enlighten you and lead you in the right direction. There is no better companion than a good book. Reading is important because it is good for your overall well-being. Once you start reading, you experience a whole new world. When you start loving the habit of reading you eventually get addicted to it. Reading develops language skills and vocabulary. Reading books is also a way to relax and reduce stress. It is important to read a good book at least for a few minutes each day to stretch the brain muscles for healthy functioning.

reading is good habit

Benefits of Reading

Books really are your best friends as you can rely on them when you are bored, upset, depressed, lonely or annoyed. They will accompany you anytime you want them and enhance your mood. They share with you information and knowledge any time you need. Good books always guide you to the correct path in life. Following are the benefits of reading –

Self Improvement: Reading helps you develop positive thinking. Reading is important because it develops your mind and gives you excessive knowledge and lessons of life. It helps you understand the world around you better. It keeps your mind active and enhances your creative ability.

Communication Skills: Reading improves your vocabulary and develops your communication skills. It helps you learn how to use your language creatively. Not only does it improve your communication but it also makes you a better writer. Good communication is important in every aspect of life.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Increases Knowledge: Books enable you to have a glimpse into cultures, traditions, arts, history, geography, health, psychology and several other subjects and aspects of life. You get an amazing amount of knowledge and information from books.

Reduces Stress: Reading a good book takes you in a new world and helps you relieve your day to day stress. It has several positive effects on your mind, body, and soul. It stimulates your brain muscles and keeps your brain healthy and strong.

Great Pleasure: When I read a book, I read it for pleasure. I just indulge myself in reading and experience a whole new world. Once I start reading a book I get so captivated I never want to leave it until I finish. It always gives a lot of pleasure to read a good book and cherish it for a lifetime.

Boosts your Imagination and Creativity: Reading takes you to the world of imagination and enhances your creativity. Reading helps you explore life from different perspectives. While you read books you are building new and creative thoughts, images and opinions in your mind. It makes you think creatively, fantasize and use your imagination.

Develops your Analytical Skills: By active reading, you explore several aspects of life. It involves questioning what you read. It helps you develop your thoughts and express your opinions. New ideas and thoughts pop up in your mind by active reading. It stimulates and develops your brain and gives you a new perspective.

Reduces Boredom: Journeys for long hours or a long vacation from work can be pretty boring in spite of all the social sites. Books come in handy and release you from boredom.

Read Different Stages of Reading here.

The habit of reading is one of the best qualities that a person can possess. Books are known to be your best friend for a reason. So it is very important to develop a good reading habit. We must all read on a daily basis for at least 30 minutes to enjoy the sweet fruits of reading. It is a great pleasure to sit in a quiet place and enjoy reading. Reading a good book is the most enjoyable experience one can have.

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The Power of Literacy: Importance of Reading and Writing

Literacy

Power of Literacy! the ability to read and write, serves as a cornerstone of human development and progress. It empowers individuals with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of the modern world, enabling them to access knowledge, communicate effectively, and contribute meaningfully to society. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the profound impact of literacy, exploring how it enriches lives, enhances education, and plays a pivotal role in shaping a brighter future.

Enriching Personal Development

Literacy is not just about decoding words on a page; it’s about understanding, analyzing, and interpreting the written word. Reading exposes individuals to diverse perspectives, cultures, and ideas, fostering empathy and expanding their worldviews. Through literature, people can explore the human experience, enhance critical thinking skills, and develop their unique voices.

Empowering Education

Literacy is the foundation of education. Proficient reading and writing skills are essential for students to engage with their subjects, access educational resources, and excel academically. Literacy equips learners with the ability to comprehend textbooks, research information, and express their thoughts coherently through writing assignments.

Bridging Communication Gaps

Effective communication is at the heart of human interaction. Literacy empowers individuals to express themselves clearly, share ideas, and engage in meaningful conversations. In a digitally connected world, the ability to communicate through written language is essential for personal and professional success.

Opening Doors to Knowledge

The written word is a repository of human knowledge and wisdom. Literacy grants individuals access to an immense wealth of information, from historical accounts to scientific discoveries. It enables them to stay informed, make informed decisions, and contribute to informed public discourse.

Fostering Economic Opportunities

In today’s information-driven economy, literacy is closely linked to economic success. Proficiency in reading and writing is crucial for obtaining employment, navigating job applications, and advancing in one’s career. Literate individuals are more likely to have access to better job opportunities and higher earning potential.

Empowering Social Change

Literacy is a catalyst for positive social change. When people can read and write, they can engage in civic participation, advocate for their rights, and contribute to community development. An informed and literate society is better equipped to address social issues, promote equality, and effect positive transformations.

Nurturing Lifelong Learning

The journey of learning doesn’t end with formal education. Literacy nurtures a lifelong love for learning and self-improvement. Whether it’s reading for pleasure, staying updated with current events, or acquiring new skills, literacy encourages individuals to continuously expand their horizons.

The power of literacy transcends mere reading and writing; it transforms lives, empowers individuals, and strengthens communities. From enriching personal development and education to bridging communication gaps and fostering economic opportunities, literacy is the key to unlocking a world of knowledge and potential. By nurturing literacy skills, we lay the foundation for a society that thrives on informed decision-making, empathy, and a shared commitment to progress. Embrace the importance of literacy, for it is a beacon that guides us towards a brighter, more inclusive future.

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Johannes Helmold

For thousands of years, reading has been considered a worthy activity and books were and still are highly valued. Books are conduits of individual or collective ideas. This is the reason why, thousands of years ago, some books were praised while others were subject to being burned—often together with their authors. However, nowadays in an ever-accelerating pace of life, people experience a lack of time for such an intellectual activity as reading books—though it is still valued, even if unconsciously. The general populous are content with the raw, cursory stories provided by the television and other mass media (Hobbes 45). In its turn, reading books has been an activity that contributes to personality development and is difficult to overestimate.

I remember one conversation with an acquaintance of mine. This conversation convinced me of the importance of reading, especially for modern youth. As we spoke, he only retold the content of popular TV shows, but he could not keep the conversation on other topics that I tried to start. Suddenly, it turned out he was completely unfamiliar with the works of even the most famous authors in world literature. When I expressed my astonishment about this fact, he answered that he never read books. He said it was a boring and an obsolete occupation. He seemed to be sincerely surprised why someone would want to read a book when there were other ways to receive information such as from the Internet or television.

This case is extreme, but to my mind, it is not too rare among modern youth. When perceiving information that is already processed and digested, one cannot develop crucial traits that reading induces, such as critical thinking, erudition, and imagination (Hobbes 365). Critical thinking is perhaps the most essential faculty of the mind, since it implies the ability to decide what to believe and what to ignore. This skill is especially useful in the modern world where a surplus of information exists. Without critical thinking, a person is more likely to take what they are exposed to for granted. When reading, people start interpersonal communication, constantly analyzing and reflecting on the material, applying it to themselves, and finally forming an opinion towards the comprehended data. At the same time, media often transmits information in a predetermined way, thus impeding individuals from interpreting it (Zaks 126).

Erudition is another key trait a person can develop with the help of reading books. Erudition means extensive knowledge. It is one of the major factors that make people interesting. Erudition helps to establish communication, since an erudite person can keep a conversation on a wide range of topics. Being a polymath also means knowing how to act in unusual situations, or at least implies general familiarity with them. For example, a person fond of reading adventure novels may put on a bold face if lost in the woods, and from the literature they read, they can learn basic knowledge on how to survive in the woods (Zaks 546).

Reading also develops and boosts imagination, which is one of those traits needed in all spheres of life. Imagination is a capability to form sensations even when they are not perceived through the senses. It is a factor of creativity that is closely linked to the ability to prognosticate the consequences of making decisions, developing inventions, or creating art work (Zaks 112). Reading enhances imagination, since a reader has to envisage characters, places, and events depicted in the book. Obviously, television cannot contribute to this skill, since it transmits images that were prepared in advance—hence, depriving one’s mind from mental development.

Based on the aforementioned arguments, the benefits of reading can be easily seen. Its role in the development of an individual can hardly be overestimated. People who have a solid intellectual ability are more intriguing to communicate with, more creative, and they experience little or no difficulties when forming and expressing their own opinions. As for me, I prefer reading to perceiving already processed information. I do not mean that watching TV or browsing the Internet are worthless occupations. On the contrary, valuable and useful information can be found by the means of modern media. It is just a matter of balance. Watching only TV can make you dull and reading too much can make you over-intellectual. Personally, I would recommend that everyone read at least one new book per month and then, after a period of time, evaluate any changes that have occurred in their world outlook. I am sure these shifts will definitely occur and they will be positive.

References:

Hobbes, Curtis. Reading is Not Just Reading . Brisbane: Skylark Bools, 2009. Print.

Zaks, Natasha. Give Yourself to the Book . London: Griffin Press, 2011. Print.

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1.1 Reading and Writing in College

Learning objectives.

  • Understand the expectations for reading and writing assignments in college courses.
  • Understand and apply general strategies to complete college-level reading assignments efficiently and effectively.
  • Recognize specific types of writing assignments frequently included in college courses.
  • Understand and apply general strategies for managing college-level writing assignments.
  • Determine specific reading and writing strategies that work best for you individually.

As you begin this chapter, you may be wondering why you need an introduction. After all, you have been writing and reading since elementary school. You completed numerous assessments of your reading and writing skills in high school and as part of your application process for college. You may write on the job, too. Why is a college writing course even necessary?

When you are eager to get started on the coursework in your major that will prepare you for your career, getting excited about an introductory college writing course can be difficult. However, regardless of your field of study, honing your writing skills—and your reading and critical-thinking skills—gives you a more solid academic foundation.

In college, academic expectations change from what you may have experienced in high school. The quantity of work you are expected to do is increased. When instructors expect you to read pages upon pages or study hours and hours for one particular course, managing your work load can be challenging. This chapter includes strategies for studying efficiently and managing your time.

The quality of the work you do also changes. It is not enough to understand course material and summarize it on an exam. You will also be expected to seriously engage with new ideas by reflecting on them, analyzing them, critiquing them, making connections, drawing conclusions, or finding new ways of thinking about a given subject. Educationally, you are moving into deeper waters. A good introductory writing course will help you swim.

Table 1.1 “High School versus College Assignments” summarizes some of the other major differences between high school and college assignments.

Table 1.1 High School versus College Assignments

This chapter covers the types of reading and writing assignments you will encounter as a college student. You will also learn a variety of strategies for mastering these new challenges—and becoming a more confident student and writer.

Throughout this chapter, you will follow a first-year student named Crystal. After several years of working as a saleswoman in a department store, Crystal has decided to pursue a degree in elementary education and become a teacher. She is continuing to work part-time, and occasionally she finds it challenging to balance the demands of work, school, and caring for her four-year-old son. As you read about Crystal, think about how you can use her experience to get the most out of your own college experience.

Review Table 1.1 “High School versus College Assignments” and think about how you have found your college experience to be different from high school so far. Respond to the following questions:

  • In what ways do you think college will be more rewarding for you as a learner?
  • What aspects of college do you expect to find most challenging?
  • What changes do you think you might have to make in your life to ensure your success in college?

Reading Strategies

Your college courses will sharpen both your reading and your writing skills. Most of your writing assignments—from brief response papers to in-depth research projects—will depend on your understanding of course reading assignments or related readings you do on your own. And it is difficult, if not impossible, to write effectively about a text that you have not understood. Even when you do understand the reading, it can be hard to write about it if you do not feel personally engaged with the ideas discussed.

This section discusses strategies you can use to get the most out of your college reading assignments. These strategies fall into three broad categories:

  • Planning strategies. To help you manage your reading assignments.
  • Comprehension strategies. To help you understand the material.
  • Active reading strategies. To take your understanding to a higher and deeper level.

Planning Your Reading

Have you ever stayed up all night cramming just before an exam? Or found yourself skimming a detailed memo from your boss five minutes before a crucial meeting? The first step in handling college reading successfully is planning. This involves both managing your time and setting a clear purpose for your reading.

Managing Your Reading Time

You will learn more detailed strategies for time management in Section 1.2 “Developing Study Skills” , but for now, focus on setting aside enough time for reading and breaking your assignments into manageable chunks. If you are assigned a seventy-page chapter to read for next week’s class, try not to wait until the night before to get started. Give yourself at least a few days and tackle one section at a time.

Your method for breaking up the assignment will depend on the type of reading. If the text is very dense and packed with unfamiliar terms and concepts, you may need to read no more than five or ten pages in one sitting so that you can truly understand and process the information. With more user-friendly texts, you will be able to handle longer sections—twenty to forty pages, for instance. And if you have a highly engaging reading assignment, such as a novel you cannot put down, you may be able to read lengthy passages in one sitting.

As the semester progresses, you will develop a better sense of how much time you need to allow for the reading assignments in different subjects. It also makes sense to preview each assignment well in advance to assess its difficulty level and to determine how much reading time to set aside.

College instructors often set aside reserve readings for a particular course. These consist of articles, book chapters, or other texts that are not part of the primary course textbook. Copies of reserve readings are available through the university library; in print; or, more often, online. When you are assigned a reserve reading, download it ahead of time (and let your instructor know if you have trouble accessing it). Skim through it to get a rough idea of how much time you will need to read the assignment in full.

Setting a Purpose

The other key component of planning is setting a purpose. Knowing what you want to get out of a reading assignment helps you determine how to approach it and how much time to spend on it. It also helps you stay focused during those occasional moments when it is late, you are tired, and relaxing in front of the television sounds far more appealing than curling up with a stack of journal articles.

Sometimes your purpose is simple. You might just need to understand the reading material well enough to discuss it intelligently in class the next day. However, your purpose will often go beyond that. For instance, you might also read to compare two texts, to formulate a personal response to a text, or to gather ideas for future research. Here are some questions to ask to help determine your purpose:

How did my instructor frame the assignment? Often your instructors will tell you what they expect you to get out of the reading:

  • Read Chapter 2 and come to class prepared to discuss current teaching practices in elementary math.
  • Read these two articles and compare Smith’s and Jones’s perspectives on the 2010 health care reform bill.
  • Read Chapter 5 and think about how you could apply these guidelines to running your own business.
  • How deeply do I need to understand the reading? If you are majoring in computer science and you are assigned to read Chapter 1, “Introduction to Computer Science,” it is safe to assume the chapter presents fundamental concepts that you will be expected to master. However, for some reading assignments, you may be expected to form a general understanding but not necessarily master the content. Again, pay attention to how your instructor presents the assignment.
  • How does this assignment relate to other course readings or to concepts discussed in class? Your instructor may make some of these connections explicitly, but if not, try to draw connections on your own. (Needless to say, it helps to take detailed notes both when in class and when you read.)
  • How might I use this text again in the future? If you are assigned to read about a topic that has always interested you, your reading assignment might help you develop ideas for a future research paper. Some reading assignments provide valuable tips or summaries worth bookmarking for future reference. Think about what you can take from the reading that will stay with you.

Improving Your Comprehension

You have blocked out time for your reading assignments and set a purpose for reading. Now comes the challenge: making sure you actually understand all the information you are expected to process. Some of your reading assignments will be fairly straightforward. Others, however, will be longer or more complex, so you will need a plan for how to handle them.

For any expository writing —that is, nonfiction, informational writing—your first comprehension goal is to identify the main points and relate any details to those main points. Because college-level texts can be challenging, you will also need to monitor your reading comprehension. That is, you will need to stop periodically and assess how well you understand what you are reading. Finally, you can improve comprehension by taking time to determine which strategies work best for you and putting those strategies into practice.

Identifying the Main Points

In college, you will read a wide variety of materials, including the following:

  • Textbooks. These usually include summaries, glossaries, comprehension questions, and other study aids.
  • Nonfiction trade books. These are less likely to include the study features found in textbooks.
  • Popular magazine, newspaper, or web articles. These are usually written for a general audience.
  • Scholarly books and journal articles. These are written for an audience of specialists in a given field.

Regardless of what type of expository text you are assigned to read, your primary comprehension goal is to identify the main point : the most important idea that the writer wants to communicate and often states early on. Finding the main point gives you a framework to organize the details presented in the reading and relate the reading to concepts you learned in class or through other reading assignments. After identifying the main point, you will find the supporting points , the details, facts, and explanations that develop and clarify the main point.

Some texts make that task relatively easy. Textbooks, for instance, include the aforementioned features as well as headings and subheadings intended to make it easier for students to identify core concepts. Graphic features, such as sidebars, diagrams, and charts, help students understand complex information and distinguish between essential and inessential points. When you are assigned to read from a textbook, be sure to use available comprehension aids to help you identify the main points.

Trade books and popular articles may not be written specifically for an educational purpose; nevertheless, they also include features that can help you identify the main ideas. These features include the following:

  • Trade books. Many trade books include an introduction that presents the writer’s main ideas and purpose for writing. Reading chapter titles (and any subtitles within the chapter) will help you get a broad sense of what is covered. It also helps to read the beginning and ending paragraphs of a chapter closely. These paragraphs often sum up the main ideas presented.
  • Popular articles. Reading the headings and introductory paragraphs carefully is crucial. In magazine articles, these features (along with the closing paragraphs) present the main concepts. Hard news articles in newspapers present the gist of the news story in the lead paragraph, while subsequent paragraphs present increasingly general details.

At the far end of the reading difficulty scale are scholarly books and journal articles. Because these texts are written for a specialized, highly educated audience, the authors presume their readers are already familiar with the topic. The language and writing style is sophisticated and sometimes dense.

When you read scholarly books and journal articles, try to apply the same strategies discussed earlier. The introduction usually presents the writer’s thesis , the idea or hypothesis the writer is trying to prove. Headings and subheadings can help you understand how the writer has organized support for his or her thesis. Additionally, academic journal articles often include a summary at the beginning, called an abstract, and electronic databases include summaries of articles, too.

For more information about reading different types of texts, see Chapter 12 “Writing a Research Paper” .

Monitoring Your Comprehension

Finding the main idea and paying attention to text features as you read helps you figure out what you should know. Just as important, however, is being able to figure out what you do not know and developing a strategy to deal with it.

Textbooks often include comprehension questions in the margins or at the end of a section or chapter. As you read, stop occasionally to answer these questions on paper or in your head. Use them to identify sections you may need to reread, read more carefully, or ask your instructor about later.

Even when a text does not have built-in comprehension features, you can actively monitor your own comprehension. Try these strategies, adapting them as needed to suit different kinds of texts:

  • Summarize. At the end of each section, pause to summarize the main points in a few sentences. If you have trouble doing so, revisit that section.
  • Ask and answer questions. When you begin reading a section, try to identify two to three questions you should be able to answer after you finish it. Write down your questions and use them to test yourself on the reading. If you cannot answer a question, try to determine why. Is the answer buried in that section of reading but just not coming across to you? Or do you expect to find the answer in another part of the reading?
  • Do not read in a vacuum. Look for opportunities to discuss the reading with your classmates. Many instructors set up online discussion forums or blogs specifically for that purpose. Participating in these discussions can help you determine whether your understanding of the main points is the same as your peers’.

These discussions can also serve as a reality check. If everyone in the class struggled with the reading, it may be exceptionally challenging. If it was a breeze for everyone but you, you may need to see your instructor for help.

As a working mother, Crystal found that the best time to get her reading done was in the evening, after she had put her four-year-old to bed. However, she occasionally had trouble concentrating at the end of a long day. She found that by actively working to summarize the reading and asking and answering questions, she focused better and retained more of what she read. She also found that evenings were a good time to check the class discussion forums that a few of her instructors had created.

Choose any text that that you have been assigned to read for one of your college courses. In your notes, complete the following tasks:

  • Summarize the main points of the text in two to three sentences.
  • Write down two to three questions about the text that you can bring up during class discussion.

Students are often reluctant to seek help. They feel like doing so marks them as slow, weak, or demanding. The truth is, every learner occasionally struggles. If you are sincerely trying to keep up with the course reading but feel like you are in over your head, seek out help. Speak up in class, schedule a meeting with your instructor, or visit your university learning center for assistance.

Deal with the problem as early in the semester as you can. Instructors respect students who are proactive about their own learning. Most instructors will work hard to help students who make the effort to help themselves.

Taking It to the Next Level: Active Reading

Now that you have acquainted (or reacquainted) yourself with useful planning and comprehension strategies, college reading assignments may feel more manageable. You know what you need to do to get your reading done and make sure you grasp the main points. However, the most successful students in college are not only competent readers but active, engaged readers.

Using the SQ3R Strategy

One strategy you can use to become a more active, engaged reader is the SQ3R strategy , a step-by-step process to follow before, during, and after reading. You may already use some variation of it. In essence, the process works like this:

  • Survey the text in advance.
  • Form questions before you start reading.
  • Read the text.
  • Recite and/or record important points during and after reading.
  • Review and reflect on the text after you read.

Before you read, you survey, or preview, the text. As noted earlier, reading introductory paragraphs and headings can help you begin to figure out the author’s main point and identify what important topics will be covered. However, surveying does not stop there. Look over sidebars, photographs, and any other text or graphic features that catch your eye. Skim a few paragraphs. Preview any boldfaced or italicized vocabulary terms. This will help you form a first impression of the material.

Next, start brainstorming questions about the text. What do you expect to learn from the reading? You may find that some questions come to mind immediately based on your initial survey or based on previous readings and class discussions. If not, try using headings and subheadings in the text to formulate questions. For instance, if one heading in your textbook reads “Medicare and Medicaid,” you might ask yourself these questions:

  • When was Medicare and Medicaid legislation enacted? Why?
  • What are the major differences between these two programs?

Although some of your questions may be simple factual questions, try to come up with a few that are more open-ended. Asking in-depth questions will help you stay more engaged as you read.

The next step is simple: read. As you read, notice whether your first impressions of the text were correct. Are the author’s main points and overall approach about the same as what you predicted—or does the text contain a few surprises? Also, look for answers to your earlier questions and begin forming new questions. Continue to revise your impressions and questions as you read.

While you are reading, pause occasionally to recite or record important points. It is best to do this at the end of each section or when there is an obvious shift in the writer’s train of thought. Put the book aside for a moment and recite aloud the main points of the section or any important answers you found there. You might also record ideas by jotting down a few brief notes in addition to, or instead of, reciting aloud. Either way, the physical act of articulating information makes you more likely to remember it.

After you have completed the reading, take some time to review the material more thoroughly. If the textbook includes review questions or your instructor has provided a study guide, use these tools to guide your review. You will want to record information in a more detailed format than you used during reading, such as in an outline or a list.

As you review the material, reflect on what you learned. Did anything surprise you, upset you, or make you think? Did you find yourself strongly agreeing or disagreeing with any points in the text? What topics would you like to explore further? Jot down your reflections in your notes. (Instructors sometimes require students to write brief response papers or maintain a reading journal. Use these assignments to help you reflect on what you read.)

Choose another text that that you have been assigned to read for a class. Use the SQ3R process to complete the reading. (Keep in mind that you may need to spread the reading over more than one session, especially if the text is long.)

Be sure to complete all the steps involved. Then, reflect on how helpful you found this process. On a scale of one to ten, how useful did you find it? How does it compare with other study techniques you have used?

Using Other Active Reading Strategies

The SQ3R process encompasses a number of valuable active reading strategies: previewing a text, making predictions, asking and answering questions, and summarizing. You can use the following additional strategies to further deepen your understanding of what you read.

  • Connect what you read to what you already know. Look for ways the reading supports, extends, or challenges concepts you have learned elsewhere.
  • Relate the reading to your own life. What statements, people, or situations relate to your personal experiences?
  • Visualize. For both fiction and nonfiction texts, try to picture what is described. Visualizing is especially helpful when you are reading a narrative text, such as a novel or a historical account, or when you read expository text that describes a process, such as how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
  • Pay attention to graphics as well as text. Photographs, diagrams, flow charts, tables, and other graphics can help make abstract ideas more concrete and understandable.
  • Understand the text in context. Understanding context means thinking about who wrote the text, when and where it was written, the author’s purpose for writing it, and what assumptions or agendas influenced the author’s ideas. For instance, two writers might both address the subject of health care reform, but if one article is an opinion piece and one is a news story, the context is different.
  • Plan to talk or write about what you read. Jot down a few questions or comments in your notebook so you can bring them up in class. (This also gives you a source of topic ideas for papers and presentations later in the semester.) Discuss the reading on a class discussion board or blog about it.

As Crystal began her first semester of elementary education courses, she occasionally felt lost in a sea of new terms and theories about teaching and child development. She found that it helped to relate the reading to her personal observations of her son and other kids she knew.

Writing at Work

Many college courses require students to participate in interactive online components, such as a discussion forum, a page on a social networking site, or a class blog. These tools are a great way to reinforce learning. Do not be afraid to be the student who starts the discussion.

Remember that when you interact with other students and teachers online, you need to project a mature, professional image. You may be able to use an informal, conversational tone, but complaining about the work load, using off-color language, or “flaming” other participants is inappropriate.

Active reading can benefit you in ways that go beyond just earning good grades. By practicing these strategies, you will find yourself more interested in your courses and better able to relate your academic work to the rest of your life. Being an interested, engaged student also helps you form lasting connections with your instructors and with other students that can be personally and professionally valuable. In short, it helps you get the most out of your education.

Common Writing Assignments

College writing assignments serve a different purpose than the typical writing assignments you completed in high school. In high school, teachers generally focus on teaching you to write in a variety of modes and formats, including personal writing, expository writing, research papers, creative writing, and writing short answers and essays for exams. Over time, these assignments help you build a foundation of writing skills.

In college, many instructors will expect you to already have that foundation.

Your college composition courses will focus on writing for its own sake, helping you make the transition to college-level writing assignments. However, in most other college courses, writing assignments serve a different purpose. In those courses, you may use writing as one tool among many for learning how to think about a particular academic discipline.

Additionally, certain assignments teach you how to meet the expectations for professional writing in a given field. Depending on the class, you might be asked to write a lab report, a case study, a literary analysis, a business plan, or an account of a personal interview. You will need to learn and follow the standard conventions for those types of written products.

Finally, personal and creative writing assignments are less common in college than in high school. College courses emphasize expository writing, writing that explains or informs. Often expository writing assignments will incorporate outside research, too. Some classes will also require persuasive writing assignments in which you state and support your position on an issue. College instructors will hold you to a higher standard when it comes to supporting your ideas with reasons and evidence.

Table 1.2 “Common Types of College Writing Assignments” lists some of the most common types of college writing assignments. It includes minor, less formal assignments as well as major ones. Which specific assignments you encounter will depend on the courses you take and the learning objectives developed by your instructors.

Table 1.2 Common Types of College Writing Assignments

Part of managing your education is communicating well with others at your university. For instance, you might need to e-mail your instructor to request an office appointment or explain why you will need to miss a class. You might need to contact administrators with questions about your tuition or financial aid. Later, you might ask instructors to write recommendations on your behalf.

Treat these documents as professional communications. Address the recipient politely; state your question, problem, or request clearly; and use a formal, respectful tone. Doing so helps you make a positive impression and get a quicker response.

Key Takeaways

  • College-level reading and writing assignments differ from high school assignments not only in quantity but also in quality.
  • Managing college reading assignments successfully requires you to plan and manage your time, set a purpose for reading, practice effective comprehension strategies, and use active reading strategies to deepen your understanding of the text.
  • College writing assignments place greater emphasis on learning to think critically about a particular discipline and less emphasis on personal and creative writing.

Writing for Success Copyright © 2015 by University of Minnesota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

Persuasive Essay on The Importance of Reading

Reading is a big part of everyone's lives. It may seem boring sometimes but it is actually very important to read everyday. As you read this essay you will have a better understanding of why reading is important, how it can help with stress, anxiety and depression, and why it is a good way to pass time. 

Reading is important for health and learning. One thing reading can help with is sleep. Sleep is important for a person to get through the day. If they are getting 2-4 hours of sleep they might be lazy and tired throughout the day and they may not be able to do the things they need to do. “Reading exercises the mind without leaving you feeling antsy and energetic.” (Ecosa 2021). When reading you're not energetic and might feel more calm and tired so it will make you sleepy. Reading can also help academically. “Researchers have found that students who read books regularly, beginning at a young age, gradually develop large vocabularies.” (2021 Healthline media). This tells me that students that read books when they are young everyday develop a large vocabulary. 

In addition, reading is important because it can help with mental health(stress, anxiety and depression.) “The study found that 30 minutes of reading lowered blood pressure, heart rate, and feelings of psychological distress just as effectively as yoga and humor did.” (2021 Healthline media). As well as yoga and humor, reading for 30 minutes lowers blood pressure, heart rate, and helps with psychological distress(stress,anxiety,depression). A study from 2009 by the University of Sussex shows that reading can reduce up to 68% of stress. It works faster than doing activities like listening to music. In a study by the University of Liverpool, they surveyed around 4,000 adults and found that people who read regularly are less stressed, depressed and have more self-esteem. 

Reading is not only good for health and learning, it is also a good way to pass time. Reading is a good hobby not only because it helps with everything listed above, but it can be fun at the same time. Looking at devices all the time can be very harmful to an individual. It can increase the risk of having brain issues and the blue light from the screens can be very harmful for the eyes. “The more television you watch in your 40s, 50s, and 60s, the greater your risk of brain health issues in later years.” (2021 Healthline Media). The more TV a person watches from age 40-60 can increase the risk of having brain issues as they get older. “Reading helps us practice imagination by letting the words describe a certain image while the reader manipulates the picture in the mind.” (2021 World Literacy Foundation). Reading can help us use our imagination by letting us create a picture in our minds of what we are reading.

Reading can help an individual in many ways. From learning to being a good way to pass time it is better than watching a device all the time. People should be reading almost everyday even if it’s just for 20-30 minutes because it has so many benefits that are important for our lives. Like expanding vocabulary, helping with mental health and being a good way to spend your free time. These aren’t the only benefits of reading. There are so many more but these are some of the more important ones.

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The Importance of Reading Essay in 100, 150, 200 & 500 Words

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By Vijay Gupta

Updated on: April 28, 2023

The importance of reading essay

Today, I’m going to write the importance of reading essay in 100, 150, 200 & 500 words. That means if you’re looking for an essay on the importance of reading, you have come to the right place.

Firstly, I’ll write the essay with headings so that you can write it comprehensively. After that, you will get to see the essay in 100, 150, and 200 words.

Hence without wasting your valuable time, let’s start writing the importance of reading essay.

See the short essay on my ambition of life .

Table of Contents

The Importance of Reading Essay with Headings in 500 Words

1. introduction.

Reading is the best practice whether it’s about reading a book or anything else. You get benefits in both situations.

Reading not only improves your thoughts but also develops your perspectives.

By reading, people’s mind moves towards positivity and serious thoughts. It actually changes the way you see the world. Reading keeps your mind more active than others. It also gives you knowledge about many things.

Reading anything is helpful. When you start taking interest in reading, your creative ability starts developing.

It prompts you to focus on the right path instead of choosing the wrong path. Overall, you can’t get such pleasure as you get in reading.

That’s why reading is very important in people’s life.

See also the essay on newspaper .

2. The Importance of reading

The importance of reading is as much as eating for living, that’s why its importance cannot be neglected.

When a child goes to school, he starts learning things related to his life. There, he tries to learn all the things that can enhance his understanding. At the same time, he tries to be creative. That is, the mind of the child starts developing by reading.

Overall, reading not only instills self-confidence in a person but also benefits him in many ways such as increasing knowledge, developing communication skills, reducing stress, etc.

Whenever a person gets into the habit of reading, he brings concentration to his studies. Reading more about a particular subject makes you more considerate and wiser than others. As a result, you’re able to explain right and wrong to anyone.

3. Changes after you start reading

When you start reading more, it starts changing your behavior, body language, perspectives, etc. You try to go deeper into what you read and start questioning. Overall, your perspective begins to change compared to others.

Reading makes you very strong not only creatively but also imaginatively. Also, it makes you mentally strong.

The more active you are in reading, the quicker you will be able to think things.

By reading more, you are able to do even the most difficult tasks very easily and patiently. It gives you such strength and confidence that you cannot get from anywhere else.

Reading initiates a vertical change in you that you cannot imagine.

4. Conclusion

If you have the habit of reading, surely you will have better knowledge than others, so if you don’t have the habit of reading, you should include it in your daily routine whether it is about reading books or anything else.

Reading for 30 and 35 minutes a day can take you to a higher level. So, I suggest you read whatever you love to read on a daily basis. It will always give you the advantage whether it is a matter of success or a bright future.

Reading books or other things will make you more relaxed than spending your free time.

Also, read the essay on Swachh Bharat Abhiyan .

The Importance of Reading Essay 200 Words

Reading is such a habit that can make anyone socially and mentally strong. It not only gives knowledge but also inspires us to uncover good thoughts.

Not all but there are still some people who like to read. When you get used to reading, your mind becomes sharper and more active than others.

Good reading always benefits you. Whatever you read gets set in your mind and when you remember it, you get many more new ideas.

Reading is also a kind of brain exercise that strengthens your mind.

While studying, you forget your past and future and always remain in the present. Also, it makes your memory better than others.

When someone gets inclined towards reading, he starts thinking in a new direction with a new beginning. At the same time, self-confidence starts growing inside and creativity starts improving.

Reading books or anything else is such an investment the benefit of which you get to see in the future. That’s why you all should include the habit of reading in you so that you can build a good society by spreading positive thoughts.

Read also, essay on social media addiction .

The Importance of Reading Essay 150 Words

Reading is so important in one’s life that without it one cannot gain knowledge. It increases stability, intelligence, and positivity in people’s minds.

Reading has been considered a good practice not from today but from the olden times. Today’s educated and employed people are good examples of this.

All of them have reached this point by reading books and proved how important reading is in our life. By reading books, people can easily utilize their time, avoid negative thoughts, achieve the goals set by them, etc.

Additionally, reading can easily raise the status of living. Actually, it brings changes in your language, style, attitude, vocabulary, etc. So, whenever you feel stressed or bored, you can read whatever you like.

As reading good books enhances knowledge, similarly reading newspapers and novels open your mind. Additionally, you get a vivid view of the surroundings.

By reading, your mind becomes calm and in one direction, due to which your concentration increases and you become smarter than others.

The Importance of Reading Short Essay 100 Words

A few people have the habit of reading. Those who have, understand its importance very well. The habit of reading is considered one of the good habits because by reading well you not only get knowledge but also get new vocabulary.

There can be many reasons for reading, but the main reason is to fill yourself with knowledge. You cannot get deep knowledge from anywhere except books.

It’s believed that the people who are fond of reading, their working style, intellectual ability, and creative ability are completely different from common people.

That’s why reading is very important. It’s really a very good way to de-stress yourself.

Final words

Eventually, I hope that the article must have proved to be very helpful for you. Now, you will have no problem writing the importance of reading essay.

If you really liked this article, please share it with those who need it.

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Vijay Gupta

Hello everyone, My name is Vijay Gupta and I belong to a very small town that is situated in district Hardoi, which is in Uttar Pradesh. 1. Education – I’ve completed my primary education from a private school that is situated in my hometown and upper primary, matric and higher secondary education have been completed from a government college. Well, I was an average student till class 5th, but I accelerated my preference towards studies from class six. Consequently, I passed out many classes with good positions. Even I passed out 12th with good marks ( 405/500 ) and topped my college. Due to getting good marks, I got a cheque of 500 rupees and was rewarded by the Principal of my college. After completing my 12th, I prepared twice for IIT ( Indian Institute of Technology ) from Aakash institute, but unfortunately, I failed to get selected into the best IIT colleges. But during the preparation, I was being graduated from CSJMU Kanpur. I completed my graduation in 2016 and now I’m pursuing an educational degree ( B.Ed. ). 2. Profession – Although I love teaching, but I also do blogging. Both are my favorite jobs.

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Example of a Great Essay | Explanations, Tips & Tricks

Published on February 9, 2015 by Shane Bryson . Revised on July 23, 2023 by Shona McCombes.

This example guides you through the structure of an essay. It shows how to build an effective introduction , focused paragraphs , clear transitions between ideas, and a strong conclusion .

Each paragraph addresses a single central point, introduced by a topic sentence , and each point is directly related to the thesis statement .

As you read, hover over the highlighted parts to learn what they do and why they work.

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Other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about writing an essay, an appeal to the senses: the development of the braille system in nineteenth-century france.

The invention of Braille was a major turning point in the history of disability. The writing system of raised dots used by visually impaired people was developed by Louis Braille in nineteenth-century France. In a society that did not value disabled people in general, blindness was particularly stigmatized, and lack of access to reading and writing was a significant barrier to social participation. The idea of tactile reading was not entirely new, but existing methods based on sighted systems were difficult to learn and use. As the first writing system designed for blind people’s needs, Braille was a groundbreaking new accessibility tool. It not only provided practical benefits, but also helped change the cultural status of blindness. This essay begins by discussing the situation of blind people in nineteenth-century Europe. It then describes the invention of Braille and the gradual process of its acceptance within blind education. Subsequently, it explores the wide-ranging effects of this invention on blind people’s social and cultural lives.

Lack of access to reading and writing put blind people at a serious disadvantage in nineteenth-century society. Text was one of the primary methods through which people engaged with culture, communicated with others, and accessed information; without a well-developed reading system that did not rely on sight, blind people were excluded from social participation (Weygand, 2009). While disabled people in general suffered from discrimination, blindness was widely viewed as the worst disability, and it was commonly believed that blind people were incapable of pursuing a profession or improving themselves through culture (Weygand, 2009). This demonstrates the importance of reading and writing to social status at the time: without access to text, it was considered impossible to fully participate in society. Blind people were excluded from the sighted world, but also entirely dependent on sighted people for information and education.

In France, debates about how to deal with disability led to the adoption of different strategies over time. While people with temporary difficulties were able to access public welfare, the most common response to people with long-term disabilities, such as hearing or vision loss, was to group them together in institutions (Tombs, 1996). At first, a joint institute for the blind and deaf was created, and although the partnership was motivated more by financial considerations than by the well-being of the residents, the institute aimed to help people develop skills valuable to society (Weygand, 2009). Eventually blind institutions were separated from deaf institutions, and the focus shifted towards education of the blind, as was the case for the Royal Institute for Blind Youth, which Louis Braille attended (Jimenez et al, 2009). The growing acknowledgement of the uniqueness of different disabilities led to more targeted education strategies, fostering an environment in which the benefits of a specifically blind education could be more widely recognized.

Several different systems of tactile reading can be seen as forerunners to the method Louis Braille developed, but these systems were all developed based on the sighted system. The Royal Institute for Blind Youth in Paris taught the students to read embossed roman letters, a method created by the school’s founder, Valentin Hauy (Jimenez et al., 2009). Reading this way proved to be a rather arduous task, as the letters were difficult to distinguish by touch. The embossed letter method was based on the reading system of sighted people, with minimal adaptation for those with vision loss. As a result, this method did not gain significant success among blind students.

Louis Braille was bound to be influenced by his school’s founder, but the most influential pre-Braille tactile reading system was Charles Barbier’s night writing. A soldier in Napoleon’s army, Barbier developed a system in 1819 that used 12 dots with a five line musical staff (Kersten, 1997). His intention was to develop a system that would allow the military to communicate at night without the need for light (Herron, 2009). The code developed by Barbier was phonetic (Jimenez et al., 2009); in other words, the code was designed for sighted people and was based on the sounds of words, not on an actual alphabet. Barbier discovered that variants of raised dots within a square were the easiest method of reading by touch (Jimenez et al., 2009). This system proved effective for the transmission of short messages between military personnel, but the symbols were too large for the fingertip, greatly reducing the speed at which a message could be read (Herron, 2009). For this reason, it was unsuitable for daily use and was not widely adopted in the blind community.

Nevertheless, Barbier’s military dot system was more efficient than Hauy’s embossed letters, and it provided the framework within which Louis Braille developed his method. Barbier’s system, with its dashes and dots, could form over 4000 combinations (Jimenez et al., 2009). Compared to the 26 letters of the Latin alphabet, this was an absurdly high number. Braille kept the raised dot form, but developed a more manageable system that would reflect the sighted alphabet. He replaced Barbier’s dashes and dots with just six dots in a rectangular configuration (Jimenez et al., 2009). The result was that the blind population in France had a tactile reading system using dots (like Barbier’s) that was based on the structure of the sighted alphabet (like Hauy’s); crucially, this system was the first developed specifically for the purposes of the blind.

While the Braille system gained immediate popularity with the blind students at the Institute in Paris, it had to gain acceptance among the sighted before its adoption throughout France. This support was necessary because sighted teachers and leaders had ultimate control over the propagation of Braille resources. Many of the teachers at the Royal Institute for Blind Youth resisted learning Braille’s system because they found the tactile method of reading difficult to learn (Bullock & Galst, 2009). This resistance was symptomatic of the prevalent attitude that the blind population had to adapt to the sighted world rather than develop their own tools and methods. Over time, however, with the increasing impetus to make social contribution possible for all, teachers began to appreciate the usefulness of Braille’s system (Bullock & Galst, 2009), realizing that access to reading could help improve the productivity and integration of people with vision loss. It took approximately 30 years, but the French government eventually approved the Braille system, and it was established throughout the country (Bullock & Galst, 2009).

Although Blind people remained marginalized throughout the nineteenth century, the Braille system granted them growing opportunities for social participation. Most obviously, Braille allowed people with vision loss to read the same alphabet used by sighted people (Bullock & Galst, 2009), allowing them to participate in certain cultural experiences previously unavailable to them. Written works, such as books and poetry, had previously been inaccessible to the blind population without the aid of a reader, limiting their autonomy. As books began to be distributed in Braille, this barrier was reduced, enabling people with vision loss to access information autonomously. The closing of the gap between the abilities of blind and the sighted contributed to a gradual shift in blind people’s status, lessening the cultural perception of the blind as essentially different and facilitating greater social integration.

The Braille system also had important cultural effects beyond the sphere of written culture. Its invention later led to the development of a music notation system for the blind, although Louis Braille did not develop this system himself (Jimenez, et al., 2009). This development helped remove a cultural obstacle that had been introduced by the popularization of written musical notation in the early 1500s. While music had previously been an arena in which the blind could participate on equal footing, the transition from memory-based performance to notation-based performance meant that blind musicians were no longer able to compete with sighted musicians (Kersten, 1997). As a result, a tactile musical notation system became necessary for professional equality between blind and sighted musicians (Kersten, 1997).

Braille paved the way for dramatic cultural changes in the way blind people were treated and the opportunities available to them. Louis Braille’s innovation was to reimagine existing reading systems from a blind perspective, and the success of this invention required sighted teachers to adapt to their students’ reality instead of the other way around. In this sense, Braille helped drive broader social changes in the status of blindness. New accessibility tools provide practical advantages to those who need them, but they can also change the perspectives and attitudes of those who do not.

Bullock, J. D., & Galst, J. M. (2009). The Story of Louis Braille. Archives of Ophthalmology , 127(11), 1532. https://​doi.org/10.1001/​archophthalmol.2009.286.

Herron, M. (2009, May 6). Blind visionary. Retrieved from https://​eandt.theiet.org/​content/​articles/2009/05/​blind-visionary/.

Jiménez, J., Olea, J., Torres, J., Alonso, I., Harder, D., & Fischer, K. (2009). Biography of Louis Braille and Invention of the Braille Alphabet. Survey of Ophthalmology , 54(1), 142–149. https://​doi.org/10.1016/​j.survophthal.2008.10.006.

Kersten, F.G. (1997). The history and development of Braille music methodology. The Bulletin of Historical Research in Music Education , 18(2). Retrieved from https://​www.jstor.org/​stable/40214926.

Mellor, C.M. (2006). Louis Braille: A touch of genius . Boston: National Braille Press.

Tombs, R. (1996). France: 1814-1914 . London: Pearson Education Ltd.

Weygand, Z. (2009). The blind in French society from the Middle Ages to the century of Louis Braille . Stanford: Stanford University Press.

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An essay is a focused piece of writing that explains, argues, describes, or narrates.

In high school, you may have to write many different types of essays to develop your writing skills.

Academic essays at college level are usually argumentative : you develop a clear thesis about your topic and make a case for your position using evidence, analysis and interpretation.

The structure of an essay is divided into an introduction that presents your topic and thesis statement , a body containing your in-depth analysis and arguments, and a conclusion wrapping up your ideas.

The structure of the body is flexible, but you should always spend some time thinking about how you can organize your essay to best serve your ideas.

Your essay introduction should include three main things, in this order:

  • An opening hook to catch the reader’s attention.
  • Relevant background information that the reader needs to know.
  • A thesis statement that presents your main point or argument.

The length of each part depends on the length and complexity of your essay .

A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . Everything else you write should relate to this key idea.

A topic sentence is a sentence that expresses the main point of a paragraph . Everything else in the paragraph should relate to the topic sentence.

At college level, you must properly cite your sources in all essays , research papers , and other academic texts (except exams and in-class exercises).

Add a citation whenever you quote , paraphrase , or summarize information or ideas from a source. You should also give full source details in a bibliography or reference list at the end of your text.

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Research and teaching writing

  • Published: 12 July 2021
  • Volume 34 , pages 1613–1621, ( 2021 )

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Writing is an essential but complex skill that students must master if they are to take full advantage of educational, occupational, and civic responsibilities. Schools, and the teachers who work in them, are tasked with teaching students how to write. Knowledge about how to teach writing can be obtained from many different sources, including one’s experience teaching or being taught to write, observing others teach writing, and advise offered by writing experts. It is difficult to determine if much of the lore teachers acquire through these methods are effective, generalizable, or reliable unless they are scientifically tested. This special issue of Reading & Writing includes 11 writing intervention studies conducted primarily with students in the elementary grades. It provides important new information on evidence-based writing practices.

Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.

There are many different ways that teachers can learn about how to teach writing. One way of acquiring such knowledge is by teaching this skill to others. As teachers apply different instructional procedures, they form judgments about the value and efficacy of these practices. In essence, they learn by doing (Graham, 2018 ).

A second way teachers learn about how to teach writing is by observing others and learning from them (Graham, 2018 ). Teachers likely remember some of the instructional methods used by those who taught them to write (e.g., teachers, mentors, parents, guardians, and peers). They may in turn adopt some of these practices when they teach their own students. This may be particularly true for instructional practices they considered effective.

Teachers can gain additional insight into teaching writing by observing and absorbing insights offered by others who have taught writing or studied how to teach it. This includes knowledge acquired from instructors teaching literacy and writing courses as well as experts offering advice on writing instruction at conferences, through workshops, podcasts, or other forms of information sharing. Teachers may also learn about teaching writing by discussing this topic with their peers or observing them as they teach writing.

A third source of knowledge that teachers can access are published materials about how to teach writing. This includes textbooks and articles on the subject, curriculum guides, commercial materials, and position statements from professional organizations to provide just a few examples. These resources can further involve digital sources such as videos demonstrating how to apply specific writing procedures, experts promoting specific teaching techniques, or web sites devoted to writing instruction.

The concern

Given all of the possible knowledge sources teachers can access or experience, there is an abundance of information, recommendations, and teaching materials on how to teach writing that is available to teachers. This blessing experiences at least one serious limitation. Too often, there is limited, circumscribed, or no evidence that the proffered advice, know-how, or wisdom works. There are many claims about what is effective, but too little proof. Unfortunately, this observation applies to much of the lore that teachers acquire about writing instruction.

Teaching lore mainly involves writing practices teachers experienced when they learned to write, instructional practices teachers develop and apply with their students, writing practices they see other teachers apply, and teaching practices promoted by experts (Graham & Harris, 2014 ). While we have no doubt that teachers and experts possess considerable knowledge and insight about how to teach writing, basing the teaching of this complex skill on such lore alone is risky.

Why is this the case? One reason is that it is difficult to determine which aspects of teaching lore are valid. For example, there are many things a teacher does while teaching writing. When their students’ writing improves, they may attribute this change to specific procedures they applied. While this evaluation may be correct, it is also possible that this judgment is incorrect or only applies to some students or to a procedure in a given context.

Teachers are not the only ones who can succumb to such selective bias. Specific teaching lore promoted by writing experts are also susceptible to misinterpretation in terms of their effectiveness. To illustrate, writing experts can overestimate the impact of favored instructional methods, forming judgments consistent with their philosophical views on writing development or instruction. For instance, proponents of the whole language approach to learning to read and write believed that writing and reading develop naturally just like oral language (Goodman, 1992 ). Consistent with these beliefs, they championed an approach to literacy instruction based on the use of informal teaching methods (e.g., reading and writing for real purposes), while at the same time deemphasizing explicitly and systematically teaching students foundational writing and reading skills and strategies (Graham & Harris, 1997 ). Instead, these skills are only taught when the need arises, mostly through short mini-lessons. Advocates for whole language frequently promoted the effectiveness of this two-pronged approach (Begeron, 1990 ), without providing much in the way of empirical evidence that it was effective, or perhaps even more importantly, that it was as effective as other alternatives such as reading and writing programs that emphasized reading and writing for real purposes, coupled with systematic and explicit skills and strategy instruction (Graham & Harris, 1994 ). Even for fundamental writing skills such as spelling, there is considerable evidence that both informal teaching and explicit instruction are effective (Graham, 2000 ; Graham & Santangelo, 2014 ), while whole language approaches are fundamentally misguided about what is written language (Liberman, 1999 ).

Whole language is not the only approach to teaching writing that has suffered from questionable claims about its effectiveness. Even the venerable Donald Graves was guilty of this to some degree with the process approach to writing that he supported and advocated (see Smagorinski, 1987 ). The evidence he offered in support of his favored approach to teaching writing relied in large part on testimonials and exemplar writing of selected students, presenting a potentially overly optimistic assessment of this approach. This is not to say that the process approach is ineffective, as there is now considerable empirical evidence supporting the opposite conclusion (Sandmel & Graham, 2011 ). Instead, this example illustrates that adopting whole cloth even highly popular and widely used teaching lore without careful consideration of its effectiveness and the evidence available to support it can be risky. The lack of evidence or the type of evidence provided can make it extremely difficult for teachers or other interested parties to determine if the testimonials or evidence used to support specific teaching lore in writing are representative or atypical.

A third issue that makes some teaching lore risky is that it may be based on the experience of a single or a very small number of teachers. As an example, this can occur for knowledge a teacher acquires as a result of his or her experience teaching writing. The teaching practice(s) may in fact be effective for the students in this teacher’s classroom, but they may not be effective when applied by another teacher or with different students. Until this proposition is tested, there is no way to determine if this teaching lore will produce reliable results when applied more broadly.

As these concerns demonstrate, the validity, generalizability, and replicability of instructional practices based on teaching lore are uncertain. This is not to devalue what teachers or experts know, but to demonstrate the limits of this knowledge.

Evidence-based writing practices

The concerns about the value of teaching lore raised above raises the question: How should the structure and details of writing instruction be determined? The solution that we recommend is to take an evidence-based practice approach to both enhance teachers’ knowledge and develop writing instruction. Starting with medicine in the 1990s, and spreading quickly to psychology, informational science, business, education, and a host of other disciplines, this movement promoted the idea that practitioners in a field should apply the best scientific evidence available to make informed and judicious decisions for their clients (Sackett et al., 1996 ). The basic assumption underlying this approach is that the findings from research can positively impact practice. The evidence-based practice movement was a reaction to practitioners basing what they did almost strictly on tradition and lore, without scientific evidence to validate it.

One reason why this represents a positive step forward in education and the teaching of writing is that instructional practices based on high quality intervention research addresses the three issues of concern we raised about teaching lore. First, high quality intervention studies address the issue of validity. They are designed specifically to isolate the effects of a specific instructional practice or set of instructional practices. They provide systematically gathered evidence on whether the instructional practices tested produced the desired impact. They further apply methodological procedures to rule out alternative explanations for observed effects. Second, high quality intervention studies address issues of generalizability by describing the participants and the context in which the practice was applied, and by using statistical procedures to determine the confidence that can be placed in specific findings. Three, they address the issue of replicability, as the replication of effects across multiple situations is the hall mark of scientific testing (Graham & Harris, 2014 ).

Another reason why the evidence-based approach represents a positive step forward in terms of teaching writing is that the evidence gathered from high quality intervention studies can provide a general set of guidelines for designing an effective writing program. Graham et al. ( 2016 ) created such a roadmap by drawing on three sources of scientific evidence: true-and quasi- experimental writing intervention studies, single-case design studies, and qualitative studies of how exceptional literacy teachers taught writing (see also Graham & Harris, 2018 ). They indicated that the scientific evidence from these three sources supports the development of writing programs that include the following. Students write frequently. They are supported by teachers and peers as they write. Essential writing skills, strategies, and knowledge are taught. Students use word processors and other twenty-first century tools to write. Writing occurs in a positive and motivating environment. Writing is used to support learning. Based on several recent meta-analyses of high quality intervention studies (Graham, et al., 2018a , b ; Graham, et al., 2018a , b ), Graham now recommends that the evidence also supports connecting writing and reading instruction (Graham, 2019 , 2020 ).

A third reason why the evidence-based approach is a positive development is that it provides teachers with a variety of techniques for teaching writing that have been shown to be effective in other teachers’ classes and in multiple situations. While this does not guarantee that a specific evidence-based practices is effective in all situations, a highly unlikely proposition for any writing practice, it does provide teachers with instructional procedures with a proven track record. This includes, but is not limited to (Graham & Harris, 2018 ; Graham et al., 2016 ):

Setting goals for writing.

Teaching general as well as genre-specific strategies for planning, revising, editing, and regulating the writing process. Engaging students in prewriting practices for gathering, organizing, and evaluation possible writing contents and plans.

Teaching sentence construction skills with sentence-combining procedures.

Providing students with feedback about their writing and their progress learning new writing skills.

Teaching handwriting, spelling, and typing.

Increasing how much students write; analyzing and emulating model texts.

Teaching vocabulary for writing.

Creating routines for students to help each other as they write.

Putting into place procedures for enhancing motivation.

Teaching paragraph writing skills.

Employing technology such as word processing that makes it easier to write.

It is also important to realize that an evidence-based approach to writing does not mean that teachers should abandon the hard-earned knowledge they have acquired through their experiences as teachers or learners. The evidence-based movement emphasizes that teachers contextualize knowledge about teaching writing acquired through research with their own knowledge about their students, the context in which they work, and what they know about writing and teaching it (Graham et al., 2016 ). When applying instructional practices acquired through research as well as teaching lore, we recommend that teachers weigh the benefits, limitations, and possible harm that might ensue as a consequence of applying any teaching procedure. Once a decision is made to apply a specific practice, it is advisable to monitor its effectiveness and make adjustments as needed.

Finally, while the scientific testing of writing practices has provided considerable insight into how writing can be taught effectively, it is not broad, deep, or rich enough to tell us all we need to know about teaching writing. It is highly unlikely that this will ever be the case. We operate on the principle that there is no single best method for teaching writing to all students, nor is it likely that science will provide us with formulas to prescribe exactly how writing should be taught to each student individually. Writing, learning, children, and the contexts in which they operate are just too complex to make this a likely consequence of the evidence-based movement. As a result, we believe that the best writing instruction will be provided by teachers who apply evidence-based practices in conjunction with the best knowledge they have acquired as teachers and learners, using each of these forms of knowledge in an intelligent, judicious, and critical manner.

Over time, we anticipate that evidence-based practices will play an ever increasing role in the process described above. This is inevitable as our knowledge about evidence-based writing practices expands. This brings us to the purpose of this special issue of Reading & Writing: An Interdisciplinary Journal . This special issue presents 11 writing intervention studies focusing almost exclusively with students in the elementary grades. These studies were conducted in Europe and the United States, and they replicate and extend prior research conducted with young developing writers.

The special issue

Perhaps the most tested writing instructional practice of all time, and the one yielding the largest effects sizes (Graham et al., 2013 ), is the Self-regulated Strategy Development (SRSD) model developed by Karen Harris (see Harris et al., 2008 for a description of this approach). Several studies in the current special issue tested specific iterations of the use of the SRSD model as a means for teaching writing to elementary grade students. Collins and her colleagues examined the effectiveness of teaching third grade students in the United States task specific strategies for planning and drafting expository essays using information from social studies text using this model. This instruction enhanced the quality of students’ texts and resulted in improvement on a norm-referenced measure of writing where students identified their favorite game and provided reasons why this was the case.

In a second SRSD study conducted with second and third grade children in Spain, Salas and her colleagues examined if teaching planning and drafting strategies for writing an opinion essay was equally effective with children from more and less disadvantaged backgrounds. SRSD was equally effective in improving the opinion writing of children from both backgrounds, but carryover effects to reading comprehension (a skill not taught in this study) only occurred for students from less disadvantaged backgrounds.

A third study by Rosario and his colleagues involved a secondary analysis of data from an investigation in Portugal where third grade students were taught to write narratives using SRSD procedures and a story writing tool they developed. Their reanalysis focused on students experiencing difficulties learning to write showing that they differed in their approach and perceptions of teacher feedback. The majority of these children were able to use the feedback provided by their teacher and viewed it as helpful.

A fourth investigation by Hebert and his colleagues taught fourth grade students in the United States to write informational text using five text structures (description, compare/contrast, sequence of events, problem–solution, and cause effect). While the authors did not indicate they used SRSD to teach these strategies, the teaching methods mirrored this approach. In any event, the instruction provided to these children enhanced how well they wrote all five of these different kinds of text. These effects, however, did not generalize to better reading performance.

Lopez and her colleagues in Spain examined three approaches to improving sixth grade students’ writing. Students in all three conditions were taught how to set communicative goals for their writing. Students in one treatment condition were taught a strategy for revising. Students in a second treatment condition observed a reader trying to comprehend a text and suggesting ways it might be improved. Control students continued with the goal setting procedures. Students in both treatment conditions improved their writing and revising skills more than control students, but there were no differences between these two treatments.

In another Spanish study conducted by Rodriguez-Malaga and colleagues, the impact of two different treatments on the writing of fourth grade students was examined. One treatment group learned how to set product goals for their writing, whereas the other writing treatment group learned how to set product goals and strategies for planning compare/contrast texts. Only the students in the product goal and planning strategy treatment evidenced improved writing when compared to control students.

Philippakos and Voggt examined the effectiveness of on-line practice-based professional development (PBPD) for teaching genre-based writing strategies. Eighty-four second grade teachers were randomly assigned to PBPD or a no-treatment control condition. Treatment teachers taught the genre-based writing strategies with high fidelity and rated PBPD positively. Even more importantly, their students writing evidenced greater improvement than the writing of students in control teachers’ classes.

Walter and her colleagues in England examined the effectiveness of two writing interventions, sentence combining and spelling instruction, with 7 to 10 year old children experiencing difficulties learning to write. As expected, sentence combining instruction improved sentence construction skills, but even more importantly, these researchers found that the degree of improvements in sentence writing was related to students’ initial sentence, spelling, and reading skills.

In another study focused on improving students’ sentence construction skills, Arfé and her colleagues in Italy examined the effectiveness of an oral language intervention to improve the sentence construction skills of fifth and tenth grade students. This oral treatment did enhance the sentence writing skills of the younger fifth grade students. This study provides needed evidence that interventions aimed at improving oral language skills transfer to writing.

Chung and his colleagues in the United States examined if sixth grade students’ writing can be improved through self-assessment, planning and goal setting, and self-reflection when they revised a timed, on-demand essay. These students as well as students in the control condition were also taught how to revise such an essay. Treatment students evidenced greater writing gains, and were more confident about their revising capabilities than control students.

Lastly, Graham and his colleagues in the United States examined if the revising behavior of fourth grade students experiencing difficulties with writing can be enhanced through the use of revising goals that focused attention on making substantive when revising stories (e.g., change the setting of the story). Applying such goals across four stories had a positive effect on the revising behavior of these students when these goals were not in effect, resulting in more text-level revisions, more revisions that changed the meaning of text, and more revisions rated as improving text.

The 11 intervention studies in this special issue of Reading & Writing are particularly noteworthy for several reasons. One, some of these studies ( n  = 4) concentrated on improving students’ skills in writing informational and expository text. This is an area that has not received enough attention in existing writing literature. Two, enhancing students’ revising was the goal of multiple studies ( n  = 4). Again, too little attention has been given to this topic with either younger or older students. Three, it was especially gratifying to see that a pair of studies examined how to enhance sentence writing skills. This has been a neglected area of writing research since the 1980s. Four, multiple studies focused on improving the writing of students who experienced difficulties learning to write ( n  = 3). This is an area where we need much more research if we are to maximize these students’ writing success. Finally, more than half of the studies in this special issue ( n  = 6) were conducted in Europe, with the other half conducted in the United States. It is important to examine if specific writing treatments are effective in different social, cultural, political, institutional, and historical context (Graham, 2018 ), as was done with the four studies that applied SRSD to teach students strategies for writing.

We hope you enjoy the studies presented here. We further hope they serve as a catalyst to improve your own research if you are a writing scholar or your teaching if you are a practitioner.

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Graham, S., Harris, K. R., & Chambers, A. (2016). Evidence-based practice and writing instruction. In C. MacArthur, S. Graham, & J. Fitzgerald (Eds.), Handbook of Writing Research (2: 211–226). NY; Guilford.

Graham, S., Harris, K. R., & McKeown, D. (2013). The writing of students with LD and a meta-analysis of SRSD writing intervention studies: Redux. In L. Swanson, K. R. Harris, & S. Graham (Eds.), Handbook of Learning Disabilities (2nd ed., pp. 405–438). Guilford Press.

Graham, S., & Harris, . (1994). The effects of whole language on writing: a review of literature. Educational Psychologist, 29 , 187–192. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15326985ep2904_2

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Graham, S., Liu, K., Bartlett, B., Ng, C., Harris, K. R., Aitken, A., Barkel, A., Kavanaugh, C., & Talukdar, J. (2018b). Reading for writing: a meta-analysis of the impact of reading and reading instruction on writing. Review of Educational Research, 88 , 243–284. https://doi.org/10.3102/0034654317746927

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Home — Essay Samples — Education — Literacy — Literacy Narrative: My Development In Reading And Writing

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Literacy Narrative: My Development in Reading and Writing

  • Categories: Literacy Personal Beliefs Personal Experience

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Published: Mar 18, 2021

Words: 1015 | Pages: 2 | 6 min read

Works Cited

  • Frey, N., & Fisher, D. (2007). Reading for information in elementary school: Content literacy strategies to build comprehension. Prentice Hall.
  • Graham, S., & Hebert, M. (2011). Writing to read: Evidence for how writing can improve reading. Carnegie Corporation of New York.
  • Nagy, W., & Anderson, R. C. (1984). The number of words in printed school English. Reading Research Quarterly, 19(3), 304-330.
  • National Council of Teachers of English. (2018). Writing as a tool for learning. Retrieved from https://www2.ncte.org/resources/positions/writing-as-a-tool-for-learning/
  • Pappas, C. C. (2014). Literacy narratives and the teacher education classroom: Exploring the potential for transformative learning. Journal of Language and Literacy Education, 10(1), 44-61.
  • Powell, J. (2018). An Introduction to Education Studies. Sage Publications Ltd.
  • Rappleye, J. (2017). Essential study skills. Cengage Learning.
  • The International Literacy Association. (2019). The power of literacy. Retrieved from https://www.literacyworldwide.org/docs/default-source/resource-documents/2019-ila-power-of-literacy.pdf?sfvrsn=9da89fc2_2
  • The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. (2000). Report of the National Reading Panel. Teaching children to read: An evidence-based assessment of the scientific research literature on reading and its implications for reading instruction (NIH Publication No. 00-4769). U.S. Government Printing Office.
  • Wilkinson, L. (2018). The essentials of academic writing. Sage Publications Ltd.

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The Importance of Reading and Writing

Updated 18 October 2023

Subject Learning ,  Books

Downloads 55

Category Education ,  Literature

Topic Reading

I remember when I was no more than four years old, and my mom would read a book to me before I went to bed every night. She would help me put on my pajamas, brush my teeth, and help me to cozy up in my bed. Every single night, she would make sure that I got a backrub, so that it was easier for me to fall asleep. Immediately following, she would walk over to the wall full of books. This wall was fully adorned with children’s books, fairytales, action, murder mysteries, and everything in between. She would go to the section of the wall that held the Dr. Seuss books, along with many others – and would ask which one I wanted to hear for the night. I knew them all by heart, and could recite the majority of them by the time I was five. My favorite book, out of them all, was titled “A Fish Out of Water”. Most nights, I would ask to hear this book – it made me so happy to hear about how the fish was safe by the end of the story.

This was only the beginning of my learning to read and write. As time passed, me and my mom would switch roles, and I began to read these books to her. She loved hearing me enunciate the words, very patiently, allowing me to work my way through these books until I could read quickly and efficiently. Reading these children’s books helped to stir up my love for reading in my childhood, and it gave me the foundation to succeed in school, and get ahead of many of my classmates when it came to reading and writing.

In school, I was never the most popular kid. I played sports, but I wasn’t ever very good at them until high school – so in middle school, I never liked recess. I wasn’t invited to play basketball or football or foursquare or kickball – and it never bothered me once. I was just fine with being myself, doing my own thing. I would grab a book from my locker, sneak over to the library during recess, and read while all of the other kids were outside. On the slight occasions when teachers would find me and send me outside, my book would come along. I loved reading action novels in elementary school, especially long ones. I would essentially fly through books, and it was never about trying to get better at reading – it was always about separating myself from my reality and jumping into the reality of whoever I was reading about. I loved being able to jump into a different world, and forget about everything going on in my life. As this occurred, through the rest of elementary school, I subconsciously learned more than I expected through my reading. I knew how to spell paleontologist, and soliloquy, and a whole host of other words by the time I was in the third grade. I even knew what they meant. I soon got put into the Gifted and Talented section of my school, and that is what started my hard work through middle and high school.

In middle school, I read like it was nobody’s business. I read and read and read until I was either too tired to stay awake or my book got taken away. I kept learning more and more, and this set me up for success in high school – On my ACT, I received a 36 in both the Reading and English sections. I am very glad that I spent all of that time reading when I was younger – because it not only gave me a source of joy when I felt like an outcast, it gave me the knowledge and the opportunity to seek a better future for myself. Had I not started reading when I was young, I would have never been placed in accelerated classes – and had I not been placed in accelerated classes, I wouldn’t be pursuing the degree in Accounting I am currently shooting for.[mu1]

Because of my extensive reading, my writing was initially ahead of many of my peers; but as I grew older, I realized that reading wasn’t enough to develop my writing skills. I took multiple composition courses at Northwestern, and in each course I took, I was able to see my writing skills improve more and more.

Beyond college, I am finding that my writing skills work for my betterment far beyond the use of essays. I have recently been speaking with lots more people than I am used to speaking with – and every time I do, I notice how much more fluid I am with speaking with others. Even my basic conversations are so much better, because I learned how to effectively read and write. As time goes on, I learn more and more about the skills I have acquired stemming from my learning to read and write, and I am continually learning how to use them in different areas. I am excited to see where this attribute of mine will eventually take me.

Thesis or focus

The essay lacks a clear thesis for me to restate. Based on the focus question, a possible thesis could be, “my relationship with my mother played a significant role in making the reader and writer that I am today”.

Overall organization

Yes, the essay is great as I can easily follow the flow of ideas.

            Paragraph organization

The essay has well-organized paragraphs with each of them having a topic sentences while the rest of the sentences in the paragraph build the topic sentence.

Style, grammar and mechanics

I could not find any problem with these aspects in the essay.

[mu1]Could you please elaborate on how the reading and writing skills are helping you in the accounting course that you are taking

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Essay On Importance Of Reading – 10 Lines, Short And Long Essay For Children

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Key Points To Remember When Writing An Essay On The Importance Of Reading For Lower Primary Classes

10 lines on the importance of reading for kids, a paragraph on the importance of reading for children, essay on the importance of reading in 150 words for kids, long essay on the importance of reading for children, what will your child learn from this essay on the importance of reading.

We all understand the importance of reading books for children. But, did you know that there are numerous benefits of reading to kids or even them reading books on their own? Reading is indeed one of the best hobbies that one can have. Children are encouraged to read because it enhances their vocabulary, helps them understand how to read and write, and make them understand different topics and gain knowledge about the world and everyday life, know about different cultures, traditions and much more. After all, there is a famous quote by Dr Seuss,

“The more you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”

Continue to read the essay on the importance of reading for classes 1, 2 and 3.

Looking for tips on how to write an essay on the importance of reading? You’ve come to the right place. Here are some key points that’ll be helpful while writing on the topic –

  • Make sure the language is simple and child-friendly.
  • Start by explaining the importance of reading, followed by its benefits for children.
  • Make sure to recommend one book for each grade.
  • Discuss how parents can instil the habit of reading in children.
  • Write a conclusion.

Before going ahead with the essay for classes 1 and 2 on the importance of reading, let’s read a few lines on the same.

  • Reading makes you more empathetic and knowledgeable, and stimulates your imagination.
  • Reading is one of the first things children are taught when they go to school.
  • Reading has numerous benefits – it improves concentration, literacy and more.
  • Kids should be introduced to age-friendly books that will encourage them to read.
  • Reading helps a person to develop a positive approach towards life.
  • Reading not only helps one to perform well academically but also helps to gain experience and knowledge.
  • When kids learn about new things from reading, this automatically triggers their curiosity, and they start asking more questions in the quest for knowledge.
  • Parents should develop the habit of reading in children from childhood as it has irreplaceable and countless benefits.
  • Encourage your little ones to read by reading to them while they’re young.
  • E-books are also helpful in encouraging kids to read, but make sure to watch for screen time.

Here is an essay in 100 words on the importance of reading for children. This will help children to work on short and long essays later.

Reading is a very good habit that children must be encouraged to develop this skill in life. Reading not only enlightens you and leads you in the right direction, but is good for your overall well-being. Reading can help children develop language skills and vocabulary, provide excessive knowledge, boost imagination and creativity and more. Reading can also give children a break from boredom. So, if you constantly hear your child saying, “I’m bored,” hand them a book.

Here is a short essay on the importance of reading for kids. This essay for classes 1, 2 and 3 will help them frame their essays.

Parents must encourage kids to read daily. Reading has numerous benefits for children. It provides you with a fortune of knowledge, helps build confidence, improves language and literacy skills, enhances communication skills and more.

The habit of reading in children can play a vital role in their optimistic growth and personality development. Below are a few books that are recommended for children based on their grades:

  • Book for a student of grade 1 – The Boy Who Loved Words
  • Book for a student of grade 2 – If I Built A Car
  • Book for a student of grade 3 – Diary Of A Wimpy Kid

Parents can encourage kids to develop a reading habit by reading aloud to them, making reading a part of their routine from a young age, and setting up a mini library at home, where kids can pick up books and read in a quiet and comfortable environment.

Here is a long essay for class 3 on the importance of reading for children.

Reading is indeed one of the most important habits that parents can inculcate in children. Reading for children is important because it is good for their well-being. Therefore, we must encourage our kids to read by making reading a part of their routine. Let’s discuss the importance of reading and ways in which we can develop reading habits in children.

Why Is Reading Important?

Reading books is important for kids as it helps them gain knowledge. According to research, those who have good reading habits show signs of higher intelligence. After all, the more a child reads, the more they learn. The more they learn, the more they understand. The more they understand, the more knowledge they gain. Apart from this, the benefits of reading are:

  • It enhances imagination and creative skills.
  • It develops language and literary skills.
  • It improves self-discipline.
  • It allows thinking skills to become more developed.
  • It builds confidence.
  • It builds a longer attention span and better memory retention.
  • It helps to improve writing skills later in life.

How Can We Develop The Habit Of Reading?

Here is how you can develop the habit of reading in your child:

  • Make sure the books and reading material are available for children to read.
  • Children have a habit of repeating what they see their parents doing. Therefore, take this opportunity and set an example for your children by reading in front of them.
  • Start reading to your child when they are as young as six months old and even before that. This will help your child understand that reading is a part of their routine as they grow up.
  • Set up a special reading space. This may encourage your child to sit in one place and spend time reading a book.
  • Be sure to provide your little one with an age-appropriate book to read. Here are a few recommendations:
  • Book for a student of grade 1 – How High Is The Sky
  • Book for a student of grade 2 – The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse
  • Book for a student of grade 3 – In Search Of A River
  • Make reading a playful and fun activity by taking turns reading with your child.
  • When picking a book for your child, consider their choice and let them pick a book. When they pick a book by themselves, they will take the initiative to read what they like.

After reading the above essay, you will be able to understand the importance of reading for kids. Apart from this, your child will be able to understand that reading will not only enhance their skills but also that it is one of the most enjoyable experiences one can have.

Essay On Time Management in English for Children Essay On Importance of English Language for Lower Primary Classes 10 Lines, Short and Long Essay On the Importance Of Exercise for Kids

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The Importance of Essay Writing Skills in Education: Why Students Should Master It

The Importance of Essay Writing Skills in Education: Why Students Should Master It

Essay writing is a crucial skill that every student should strive to master. It is not only a requirement for academic success, but also a skill that will benefit them in the long run. Writing essays broadens their knowledge on various topics, improves their analytical thinking, and promotes better communication.

First and foremost, essay writing requires students to conduct in-depth research on the given topic. This research helps them identify the main points and arguments that they should include in their essay. By doing so, they become more knowledgeable about the subject matter and are able to present well-informed ideas to their readers.

Moreover, essay writing promotes better analytical thinking. Students learn to critically analyze the information they gather and to identify the most relevant and significant points. This skill is not only valuable in academia, but also in the job market. Employers value individuals who are able to quickly and effectively identify and evaluate information.

Furthermore, writing essays improves communication skills. The ability to clearly convey ideas and thoughts is important in every aspect of life. Essay writing helps students learn how to express themselves in a clear and concise manner, without losing the intended meaning. This skill is particularly important in high-stakes situations, such as job interviews or public speaking engagements.

Last but not least, essay writing promotes better spelling and grammar. Students are required to proofread their essays and make sure that there are no mistakes in their writing. This attention to detail not only improves their writing skills, but also creates a positive impression on their readers. It shows that they are able to produce high-quality work and that they take pride in their final product.

The Importance of Essay Writing Skills in Education

  • Improves Reading and Learning: Writing essays allows you to engage with texts on a deeper level. When you write an essay, you need to read and understand the topic clearly and in detail. This improves your comprehension skills and enhances your ability to identify the main ideas, arguments, and statements in a text.
  • Develops Critical Thinking: Essay writing helps you develop critical thinking skills. When you write an essay, you need to analyze and evaluate the information you have gathered, and present it in a logical and coherent way. This promotes the ability to think critically and express your own ideas and opinions.
  • Promotes Better Grades: Essay writing is often a part of academic assessments. By mastering essay writing skills, you are more likely to excel in your exams and assignments, leading to better grades.
  • Enhances Communication: Essay writing allows you to express your thoughts, ideas, and arguments clearly and effectively. This enables you to communicate your message to your readers in a concise and organized manner.
  • Improves Research Skills: Writing an essay requires you to conduct research on the topic. This enhances your research skills and gives you access to a wide range of information and resources.
  • Records Your Learning: Writing essays helps you record and reflect on your learning. It allows you to document your thoughts and ideas, and track your progress over time.
  • Provides Real-Life Applications: Essay writing prepares you for real-life situations where you may be asked to present arguments, respond to texts, or express your opinions. It equips you with the skills to confidently participate in discussions and debates.

Why Students Should Master Essay Writing Skills

1. Academic Success: Essay writing promotes critical thinking and analytical skills. It requires students to develop clear and well-structured arguments and to identify and analyze relevant information. When students are able to express their thoughts and opinions in a written form, they are more likely to do well on exams and assignments, which ultimately leads to better grades.

2. Promotes Clear Communication: Writing essays helps students to express themselves clearly. It improves their ability to organize their thoughts and present complex ideas in a logical and coherent manner. This skill is not only important for academic success but also for any professional job where clear communication is essential.

3. Demonstrates Knowledge and Understanding: Writing essays allows students to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of a particular topic. It shows that they have done the necessary research and have a deep understanding of the subject matter. This can be particularly important in subjects like sociology or any other field where critical analysis and the ability to make well-supported statements are valued.

4. Develops Persuasive Skills: Essay writing requires students to develop persuasive arguments and to present evidence to support their claims. This skill is valuable not only in academic settings but also in the real world, where individuals often need to convince others of their ideas or opinions.

5. Improves Writing Style and Grammar: Writing essays helps students improve their writing style, spelling, and grammar. It requires them to pay attention to the details of their writing and to edit and revise their work. This can lead to significant improvements in their overall writing skills.

6. Length and Structure: Essay writing teaches students how to write longer pieces of work and how to structure their writing effectively. This skill is important in many academic and professional settings where individuals are asked to write reports or thesis papers.

7. Self-Expression: Essay writing provides students with a platform to express themselves and their ideas. It allows them to explore their own thoughts and feelings and to develop their own unique writing voice. This can be a valuable way for students to discover and better understand themselves.

Improves Research Skills

By conducting research, students learn how to identify reliable sources of information and evaluate the credibility of the information they find. This is essential in a world where there is an abundance of information available, and being able to distinguish between trustworthy and unreliable sources is crucial.

Moreover, essay writing promotes critical thinking skills. Through the research process, students are encouraged to analyze different viewpoints and develop their own arguments based on the evidence they gather. This helps them to develop their analytical skills and think critically about complex issues.

In addition, essay writing also improves students’ ability to organize their thoughts and present them in a structured manner. Students are required to create a clear thesis statement and support it with well-developed paragraphs and arguments. This not only helps them to communicate their ideas effectively, but also provides them with a solid foundation for future academic and professional writing.

Furthermore, essay writing helps students to improve their writing style and grammar. They learn how to write cohesive and coherent sentences, use appropriate vocabulary, and adhere to grammar rules. This is important not only for academic success, but also for future career opportunities where good writing skills are highly valued.

Lastly, essay writing allows students to practice their communication skills. It is not only about writing for the sake of writing, but also about conveying information in a way that is clear and persuasive. Being able to communicate effectively is essential in every aspect of life, and essay writing helps students to develop this important skill.

Enhances Critical Thinking Abilities

1. Increases Critical Thinking Abilities

Writing essays requires students to engage in a deep analysis of the topic they are writing about. This process helps them develop their ability to think critically, as they need to evaluate different perspectives and evidence to support their arguments. By critically examining various sources and weighing their credibility, students learn how to form their own informed opinions and think independently.

2. Benefits in Education

The ability to think critically is a crucial skill in education. It allows students to evaluate information, make informed decisions, and solve problems effectively. Writing essays helps students acquire these skills by requiring them to engage in a thoughtful analysis of the topic at hand.

3. Promotes Learning and Reading

Essay writing encourages students to engage deeply with the topic and conduct thorough research. This not only helps them to acquire knowledge but also develops their reading skills. Students are required to read and understand various sources, which broadens their understanding of the topic and promotes a love for learning.

4. Makes Writing Easier

By mastering the skill of essay writing, students will find it easier to express their thoughts and ideas in a clear and concise manner. They will be able to structure their arguments effectively, ensuring that their essay is coherent and well-organized. This skill is transferable to other forms of writing, making it beneficial in various academic and professional contexts.

5. Boosts Brain Power

Essay writing is like a workout for the brain. It requires students to engage in critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. As students tackle different topics and present well-rounded arguments, they stimulate their intellect and improve their cognitive abilities.

6. Access to High-Value Opportunities

Strong essay writing skills are highly valued in the academic and professional world. Employers and universities often require applicants to submit essays to assess their critical thinking abilities and communication skills. By mastering the skill of essay writing, students open up opportunities for higher education and future career success.

7. Tips on Essay Writing

To excel in essay writing, students need to keep a few crucial tips in mind. Firstly, they should always start with a strong thesis statement that outlines the main argument of their essay. Secondly, students should use clear and concise language to express their ideas and support their arguments. Lastly, they should always proofread and edit their work to ensure that it is free from errors and presents their thoughts accurately.

Develops Effective Communication

When writing an essay, you need to conduct research on the topic, gather relevant information, and organize your thoughts in a structured way. This process helps you to develop your communication skills as you learn how to present your ideas in a logical and coherent manner. Furthermore, having a clear thesis statement and supporting arguments in your essay demonstrates your ability to articulate and convey your thoughts effectively.

Moreover, being a good essay writer can benefit you in many ways. Employers value individuals who are able to write well because it reflects their ability to communicate effectively, think critically, and organize their thoughts. Good writing skills can open up numerous career opportunities as it is an essential skill in many fields.

Prepares Students for Professional Life

When you learn how to write, you not only improve your ability to communicate with others, but you also enhance your own critical thinking and intelligence. Writing forces you to organize your thoughts and arguments in a structured manner, which increases your ability to think critically and evaluate information effectively. This is why employers often look for candidates with strong writing skills, as it demonstrates that they have the necessary analytical and communication skills needed to succeed in a professional setting.

Furthermore, writing essays teaches you how to cover complex topics in a concise and coherent manner. It helps you to break down complex ideas into smaller paragraphs and develop a clear thesis statement to guide your writing. This skill is important in the real world, where you’ll often need to explain complex concepts to others in a simple and understandable way.

Moreover, writing essays improves your spelling and grammar skills. In a world where written texts dominate, being able to write fluently without making simple spelling or grammar mistakes is essential. It demonstrates to readers that you pay attention to detail and have a good grasp of the English language.

In addition, being able to write well broadens your access to opportunities. Whether you’re applying for a scholarship, a job, or a grant, having strong writing skills gives you a competitive edge over others. It allows you to articulate your thoughts and achievements in a compelling way, increasing your chances of success.

Furthermore, writing essays helps to promote self-reflection and personal growth. When you write about a particular topic, you often need to do research and explore different perspectives. This process allows you to gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter and encourages you to think critically about your own beliefs and values.

Lastly, being able to write well increases your market value. In today’s highly competitive job market, employers are looking for candidates who can think critically, communicate effectively, and solve complex problems. By mastering essay writing skills, you’ll be able to demonstrate these abilities and stand out from the crowd.

Why is essay writing important in education?

Essay writing is important in education because it helps students develop critical thinking skills, improve their communication skills, and demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of a subject. It also helps students to organize their thoughts and ideas in a structured manner.

How can essay writing skills benefit students in their future careers?

Essay writing skills can benefit students in their future careers by enabling them to effectively communicate their ideas and arguments. Many professions require strong written communication skills, and being able to write clear and coherent essays can help individuals succeed in their chosen careers.

What are some tips for improving essay writing skills?

Some tips for improving essay writing skills include reading widely, practicing writing regularly, seeking feedback and guidance from teachers or peers, and learning to effectively structure an essay. It is also important to revise and edit your work to ensure clarity and coherence.

Is it necessary to write essays in every subject?

While essays may not be required in every subject, they are commonly used as an assessment tool in many educational settings. Even in subjects where essays are not typically assigned, writing skills are still valuable and can be applied in various ways, such as in writing research papers or reports.

Can essay writing help students develop their creativity?

Yes, essay writing can help students develop their creativity as it requires them to think critically, analyze information, and come up with unique and original ideas. It allows students to express their thoughts and perspectives in a creative and meaningful way.

Essay writing is important in education because it helps develop critical thinking and analytical skills. It allows students to organize their thoughts and communicate their ideas effectively. Additionally, essay writing promotes research skills and helps students deepen their understanding of a subject.

Alex Koliada, PhD

By Alex Koliada, PhD

Alex Koliada, PhD, is a well-known doctor. He is famous for studying aging, genetics, and other medical conditions. He works at the Institute of Food Biotechnology and Genomics. His scientific research has been published in the most reputable international magazines. Alex holds a BA in English and Comparative Literature from the University of Southern California , and a TEFL certification from The Boston Language Institute.

Essay on Importance of Reading, with Outline

Published by gudwriter on June 9, 2022 June 9, 2022

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Why is Reading Important Essay Outline

Introduction.

Thesis: Reading is essential in the life any child or adult since it is a pre-requisite to success.

Paragraph 1:

  • In every step, there is the building of skills or the mastery of previously learned skills.
  • For instance, in the first few years in the life of a child, he or she is taught on how to convert words into a sound in a process referred to as decoding

Paragraph 2:

  • To most children, the process takes place automatically or naturally.
  • Some children have problems with decoding and might, therefore, require extreme teaching by the teacher.

Paragraph 3. 

  • Some or all of these disabilities can be classified as neuro-developmental meaning that they cannot go away but only managed.
  • In cases where a child’s disability in reading is identified at an early age, they can be taught how best to deal with the situation.

Paragraph 4: 

  • Reading is not only an essential activity for children but also adults.
  • Reading exposes an individual to new things, ideas, information and how to solve problems.
  • Sometimes, reading ends being a hobby to many people or even a career.

Paragraph 5: 

  • Through reading, people become better and understand the world more.
  • It is through this vital activity that people gain a deep understanding of a specific topic that is of interest to the reader.
  • For instance, one can read an article or any other piece of writing on how to improve one’s self-confidence or how to memorize things.

Paragraph 6:

  • The more one reads something, the more they understand.
  • For instance, one might read about reptiles and their habits.
  • Sometimes, one might practice what they have read it in real life to see what might happen.

Paragraph 7:

  • Usually, before taking action on anything, one seeks guidance and help.
  • Guidance can be obtained from people who have gone through similar situations.
  • In the 21 st century, the need to receive guidance and help goes a long way in making huge decisions after weighing on their pros and cons.

Paragraph 8: 

  • Since different people from varying backgrounds write books, reading exposes a reader to different experiences.
  • Through such experiences, a reader may hasten their success towards a goal since they might avoid similar mistakes made by other people.
  • Books contain successes, failures, and advice from different people and it is assumed that life is too short to repeat mistakes committed by people in the past.

Paragraph 9:

Reading also develops imagination and helps people build their self-esteem.

  • As one reads, the descriptions of things, places, and people they read about is translated into pictures by their brain.
  • The knowledge gained in this manner can be applied in everyday life.
  • A restate of the thesis
  • A summary of the main points
  • A take-away  statement  made based on presented facts or information 

Perhaps you might be interested in reading a sample speech on the importance of reading .

Essay on Importance of Reading

Reading is one of the most critical activities any child can engage in for his or her success in life. However, in the course of life people are faced with different challenges that outweigh the desire to read, and without proper guidance, they might never overcome these obstacles. Almost every individual has been involved in the learning process where one is taught how to read and write. In this case, the most significant process is learning how to read and write a specific language. Reading is essential in the life of any child or adult since it is a pre-requisite to success.

Learning how to read is a sequential process. In every step, there is the building of skills or the mastery of previously learned skills. For instance, in the first few years in the life of a child, he or she is taught how to convert words into sound in a process referred to as decoding (Arrington et al., 2014). Later on, they are taught how to comprehend and understand the meaning of the words they utter by organizing them into sentences and passages.

The process of decoding is the basic foundation of every child’s reading skills. To most children, the process takes place automatically or naturally. However, some children have problems with this process and might therefore require significant teaching by their teacher or caretaker. The mostly affected people in this regard are young people who have disabilities in reading and need serious interventions. According to Nelson, Lindstrom and Foels (2015), approximately 85% of children are diagnosed with a challenge in reading or related skills in language development. Some or all of these disabilities can be classified as neuro-developmental, meaning they cannot go away but can only be managed. In essence, a majority of these children can be taught how to read to become proficient readers who can understand the basic strategies needed for success in school. In cases where a child’s disability in reading is identified at an early age, they can be taught how best to deal with the situation.

The identification of learning disabilities in a child at an early age emphasizes the importance of reading. Reading is not only an essential activity for children but also adults. It exposes an individual to new things, ideas, and information, and equips them to become effective problem solvers. Sometimes, reading ends being a hobby to many people, or even a career. It is from reading that exploration arises.

Reading also forms a fundamental part of self-improvement. Through it, people become better in understanding the world around them. It is through this vital activity that people gain a deep understanding of specific topics that are of interest to them. For instance, one can read an article or any other piece of writing on how to improve one’s self-confidence or how to memorize things. Such self-improvement techniques arise from reading (Ross, 2017). It is thus through reading that it becomes possible for one to create a structured path towards better understanding of issues and well-informed decision making.

Further, reading is crucial as it helps one to prepare to take action. Usually, before taking an action on anything, one seeks guidance and help. Guidance can be obtained from people who have gone through similar situations. However, some people turn to reading as a source of knowledge and guidance about a situation. In the 21st century, the need to receive guidance and help goes a long way in informing decision making. For example, one can read on how to cook a meal, how to play football, or even the best places to go for a vacation. In such situations, reading help people prepare before they take any significant steps.

It is also through reading that one may gain experience from other people. Since books and other reading material are written by different people from varying backgrounds, reading exposes a reader to different experiences. Through such experiences, a reader may hasten their success towards a goal since they might avoid similar mistakes made by other people. Books contain successes, failures, and advice from different people and it is assumed that life is too short to repeat mistakes committed by other people in the past (Arizpe, 2015). In the case of success, one might read on the best ways to make money and avoid certain mistakes along this path. Learning about and getting to understand people who have succeeded is essential for someone who intends to follow the same path.

Reading also develops imagination and helps people build their self-esteem. As one reads, the descriptions of things, places, and people they read about is translated into pictures by their brain (Cam Everlands Primary School, 2019). While reading a story for instance, a reader puts him or herself in the shoes of a character and imagines how the character feels. The knowledge gained in this manner can be applied in everyday life. In the same breadth, as noted by One World Literacy Foundation (2013), the more a person reads, the more educated they become. More education culminates into increased confidence which effectively increases self-esteem. One gets to expand their thinking capacity and become more creative as they read about how diverse life is and expose themselves to new information and ideas. A well-read person can provide answers to an array of general knowledge questions, a factor that significantly boosts self-confidence.

Reading is an essential milestone in the life of any child since it is a pre-requisite to success. Learning continues to be a necessary activity in the life of any individual. The first thing that children are taught when they go to school is the ability to read and write. Those children that have reading disabilities are taught using different techniques to ensure that they succeed. It is through reading that people learn how to avoid mistakes committed by other people, prepare to take action, improve their understanding, develop their imagination, and improve their self-esteem.

Arizpe, E., & Smith, V. (Eds.). (2015).  Children as readers in children’s literature: the power of texts and the importance of reading . New York, NY: Routledge.

Arrington, C. N., Kulesz, P. A., Francis, D. J., Fletcher, J. M., & Barnes, M. A. (2014). The contribution of attentional control and working memory to reading comprehension and decoding.  Scientific Studies of Reading ,  18 (5), 325-346.

Cam Everlands Primary School. (2019). “10 benefits of reading”. Cam Everlands Primary School . Retrieved February 23, 2019 from http://www.cameverlands.org.uk/10-benefits-of-reading/

Nelson, J. M., Lindstrom, W., & Foels, P. A. (2015). Test anxiety among college students with specific reading disability (dyslexia) nonverbal ability and working memory as predictors.  Journal of Learning Disabilities ,  48 (4), 422-432.

World Literacy Foundation. (2021). “Reading Improves Literacy”. World Literacy Foundation . Retrieved February 8, 2021 from https://worldliteracyfoundation.org/reading-aloud-improves-literacy-development/

Ross, C. M. (2017). Summer reading lists: the importance of reading.  BAOJ Neurol ,  3 , 040.

Another great essay to explore is the Great Gatsby American dream essay , with outline.

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Analysis of Commentary Essay Examples and Writing Tips

Table of Contents

Generally, composing a commentary essay as a part of an assignment might be daunting. However, it is not as complicated as several people say. With some commentary essay examples, you can easily understand the concept. In general, a commentary essay is just an analysis of a text, film, literary piece, or any other media.

But, when writing a commentary essay, instead of simply stating your opinion on the movie or text, you should make sure to support your claims by using evidence from that work itself. Most importantly, the commentary essay that you prepare should be well-structured and it should remain objective and analytical.

For your better understanding, in this blog, we have shared commentary essay examples analysis. In addition to that, we have also suggested some valuable tips for writing a perfect commentary essay.

Continue reading and update your knowledge of commentary essay writing.

What is a Commentary Essay?

A commentary essay is a type of essay that evaluates and examines a text or any other form of content. As a writer, in a commentary essay, you will have to analyze a specific text and share your opinion or interpretation of it. Particularly, to support your analysis in this essay type, you will have to present evidence from the content itself. Mostly, in college-level English courses, you will learn to write about commentary essay writing.

The commentary essays are of two types as specified below

  • Literary Commentary: It is a comprehensive analysis of a passage from a literary work such as a poem, novel, sonnet, etc.
  • Data Commentary: It is an analysis of a visual display like movies, and short films.

Commentary Essay Example

Commentary Essay Preparation

Usually, for your assignment, you will be asked to write a commentary for any piece of text. If you are about to prepare a commentary essay on a text, then first carefully read the entire text and annotate it. Annotation refers to making notes on the text itself. Also, when you read the text, take notes of the author’s argument or key point. Furthermore, take into account the supporting evidence the author has provided along with how well the author presents their case and whether or not you agree with them.

When writing a commentary essay, keep in mind that you are providing your view of the text. You should support your claims with proof from the text, but you should also be explicit about your opinions. Also, make a point of properly stating your position and explaining why you hold it.

Also Read: Excellent College Essay Topics and Ideas

Steps for Writing a Commentary Essay

Wondering how to write a commentary essay? If yes, then simply follow the steps suggested below. It will help you in coming up with a great commentary essay.

  • Carefully read and understand the commentary essay prompt.
  • Brainstorm the essay topic and generate ideas from different viewpoints.
  • Create a powerful thesis statement using one or two sentences. A thesis statement should be the key idea that you are about to discuss in your essay.
  • Conduct deep research on the material and note down the major points.
  • Develop a well-structured commentary essay outline by including essential components such as the introduction, body, and conclusion.
  • Elaborate on the outline and compose an outstanding commentary essay. In the essay, you should analyze and share your opinion of the given text with supporting evidence from the text itself.
  • Finally, proofread your essay multiple times and improve its quality. The draft that is ready for submission should be original and free from errors.

Commentary Essay Outline

When composing a commentary essay, this is how you will have to create an outline.

  • Introduce your subject.
  • Talk about your major point or argument.
  • Provide proof to back up your point of view.
  • Explain why your argument is important.
  • Summarize your points and make suggestions for additional research on the subject.

Commentary Essay Examples

For your better comprehension, here, we have explained the concept of a commentary essay with examples. Without any hesitation, go through the commentary essay examples analysis and update your knowledge.

Mostly, you will be asked to give your commentary for a poem, a short story, or any other content. In such a scenario, before you begin writing your commentary essay, make sure to read the given text and note down the following things for your analysis.

  • Title, author name, publication date, and the genre
  • Theme, target audience, and core subject, it can be an event or characters in the novel
  • How the text is presented. E.g. the usage of words, active or passive voice
  • Mood and tone
  • Literary devices

Commentary Essay Example 1: For a Poem

For commentary essay example, we have taken Christopher Dewdney’s “The Night Wind.” Look below and understand how to write a commentary essay for a poem.

Introduction

As said earlier, first you should start your essay with a catchy introduction. In specific, your introduction should include details such as the work title you are commentating on, the author’s name, and the genre. Also, in your introductory paragraph, you can express your main viewpoints and focus on things that affected you the most.

Find here, a sample of a commentary essay introduction.

“Recently, “The Night Wind” written by Dewdney impressed me a lot. He gives the wind a personality and a life of its own. Through this image, the author takes the reader on an intriguing voyage. The poem primarily focuses on an escape from life’s worries”

Next, in the body paragraph, you will have to share what you think is the purpose of the work and the intentions of the work. Here, you can discuss all the things that are impressive to you. Most importantly, in your commentary essay body, you need to evaluate the analyzed piece of literature and demonstrate your interpretation of the work. Use commentary sentences to highlight the text’s key ideas.

The following is an example of a commentary essay body.

“Note that there are no rhymes, meters, or schemes in the composition. Dewdney uses free verse to convey a lighthearted attitude. Also, through this way, he conveys the sense of freedom.”

Whenever you compose the body of the essay, make sure to back up your thoughts with valid examples as shared below. Keep in mind to use the quotes.

“The author uses uplifting phrases such as “The wind blows forever” to highlight the idea of freedom. Also, there are certain lines such as “Above me the Milky Way” that make the reader consider the grandeur of the universe.” 

Finally, wrap up your commentary essay with a powerful conclusion. In the conclusion, restate your position. To finish the comment excellently, paraphrase your primary idea.

See here the sample of a commentary essay conclusion.

“The poem “The Night Wind” represents an escape from the difficulties of everyday life. The text’s loose, sometimes whimsical form offers the reader a sense of lightness and calm. Reading such poetry transports the reader to the fantastic world of liberty.”  

Also Read: Best Process Essay Topics and Ideas

Commentary Essay Example 2: For an Essay

For the next commentary essay example, we have taken Christopher Jonathan Swift’s “A Modest Proposal.” Read and understand how to analyze an essay and come up with an engaging commentary essay.

In his “A Modest Proposal” essay, Swift says that the Irish poor sell their children to wealthy English landowners to lessen the country’s economic load. He makes his argument through satire and explains certain subtle jokes with the help of annotations.

Swift starts by describing the terrible circumstances that Ireland faces due to its extreme poverty and overcrowding. Next, he presents his “solution,” which involves selling Irish kids to the wealthy as food. Particularly, by using irony and sarcasm, Swift illustrates how absurd this idea is and how heartless the wealthy are toward the underprivileged. Finally, he concludes that in England, poor people are being treated like commodities regularly.

Swift’s suggestion is a stinging criticism of the English nobility and their treatment of the Irish people. Moreover, the annotations serve to explain Swift’s ideas and demonstrate why his essay is so compelling.

Tips for Writing a Commentary Essay

So far, we have seen a few commentary essay examples. Next, let us look at some valuable tips for writing a commentary essay. Following the commentary essay writing tips will assist you in improving the quality of your essay content.

  • In the essay, always write a topic sentence with evidence and start the next sentence using the phrase “This shows that”. By using this method, you can explain the quote from the text.
  • Provide thorough information about the original content starting from the author’s information to the research paper’s publication date. Try to use the Literary Elements and Techniques (LET) method. Typically, when you analyze a text, make sure to pay attention to the literary techniques, style, character, plot, viewpoints, language, settings, conflict, etc used by the author.
  • Always keep your comments within a boundary. Avoid giving an appreciation for the original content.
  • Make sure to include a key title that summarizes the information. Try to incorporate keywords from both your thesis statement and the original material.
  • Follow the concept of 4 cells when analyzing a text. In this method, you will have to divide a sheet of paper into four parts. Then, after dividing, place a quote and topic sentences in the top two cells and write comments to them at the bottom squares. This method will assist you in analyzing each piece of text and integrating the comments into a single whole.
  • Avoid summarizing the entire text because the reader won’t find it useful. Briefly discuss only the key points in the original work.
  • Never make generalizations.
  • Cite all the sources you have used. Avoid using irrelevant citations.
  • Before submission of your essay, check over your work twice and correct if there are any grammar and structural errors.

Wrapping Up

Hopefully, by now, you will have gained a better understanding of how to write a brilliant commentary essay. If you are writing a commentary essay for the first time, then refer to the commentary essay examples shared above. It will give you an idea of how to share your opinions or comments for literature or any other work. In case, you are still not confident enough to handle commentary essay writing on your own, call us immediately. We have numerous skilled essay writers on our platform to offer affordable essay writing help . According to the guidelines you sent us, our essay helpers will prepare and deliver plagiarism-free essays of all types including a commentary essay.

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6 Ways to Improve Students’ Math Literacy

Middle and high school math teachers can use these ideas to build students’ reading comprehension and reasoning skills using real tasks like budgeting.

Student working on math problems on a whiteboard

While a lot has changed in math instruction over the years, the idea that students need to be math literate has been constant. Being math literate means much more than calculations. Life events such as buying a home, paying taxes, or even estimating how much you’ll spend on groceries require modeling and reasoning skills.

State and district tests often include problems that are real-world based, and that means that students will need to use reading comprehension, along with math skills, in order to show proficiency. This can be particularly difficult for students with learning disabilities, those who have had interrupted schooling, and/or emergent multilingual learners. It’s imperative that math teachers develop a tool kit to help students decipher the math moves needed for such problems.

Through my dissertation research and my many years of teaching mathematics with great math teachers, I have found simple ways to help students become more math literate. Here are some practical ideas on how teachers can help students become math literate, from the perspective of Algebra 1 teachers from various backgrounds.

6 Ways to Help Students Gain Math Literacy

1. Use sentence frames. Sentence frames are a simple way to help students of all backgrounds learn how to state their answers and ask any questions they have about a word problem. Teachers can post sentence frames on a board or even on students’ desks for easy access. Here are some examples:

  • “I agree with this answer because ____.”
  • “I believe the answer is ____ because ____.”
  • “I showed my work by ____.”
  • “One strategy that may be helpful is ____ because ____.”

2. Bring back the highlighter. Many Algebra 1 teachers agree that the highlighter is a great way to help emphasize learning in mathematics. The highlighter gives students control of the parts of the problem that they find important. A good suggestion is to demonstrate the use of highlighting key words and have highlighters available for every task and assessment. It also helps students see the patterns in math problems.

3. Speak “algebra.” Students in all math classes need to be speaking math in their classes. It’s important to use the appropriate vocabulary words that pertain to the lesson. This is particularly important as students see formal math language in textbooks and standardized tests. Yes, breaking down the vocabulary for comprehension is a great tactic, but bringing it back to the standard math vocabulary is how we make connections.

4. Use word walls. The word wall was an important part of many math classrooms a few decades ago. They made sure that students saw math words that related to a particular topic being taught. For example, when introducing a polynomial unit, teachers would often put words such as monomial , trinomial , and polynomial on the word wall.

Many Algebra 1 teachers feel that having the visual is most important as students learn about new topics. Students need visual reminders. One suggestion was for students to “own” the word wall by passing out the words in advance and having them hang up each word as it was introduced throughout the unit. Students can make the words artsy and creative in an effort to personalize the resource.

5. Provide foldables or graphic organizers. The use of foldables in the math classroom is a game changer for many students, especially in the post-pandemic era. These low-tech student- or teacher-made “books” constructed out of folded paper provide learners with a handy place to write down the main concepts introduced in a unit. Students have been so used to math technology that there is a need to bring them back to tactile methods.

Providing a foldable to sum up or even begin a unit is a cost-effective method and allows students to use paper and scissors in a creative way to refer to math vocabulary and common word problems. You can find lots of free ideas for foldables online , and there are sites that sell them as well. Some of the designs are very creative and bring a bit of visual art into your math classroom.

6. Have students write relevant word problems. Every time there’s a new curriculum or textbook, word problems get a refresher to connect with the current generation, but there’s no reason why students can’t make up their own. Allow them to write their own word problems, using the context you’re teaching. Not only will students own their own learning, but also they will be able to use critical thinking skills to combine math, vocabulary, and everyday life to further their understanding.

Making the math classroom become a laboratory of reading and math enables students to become owners of the learning process. Students can be math literate, which will allow teachers to facilitate learning processes with all types of word problems, and consequently improve math scores and prepare students for the world of infusing mathematics into their everyday lives.

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