Bridging Reading and Writing in College Success

Higher education involves an excessive amount of reading and writing. Is it better to be a strong writer or a great reader in college? Most students are assigned more reading assignments than writing assignments, but assignments that involve writing typically are bigger portions of the student’s grade. As a student you have to be a reader and a writer to achieve academic success. Many students do not consider themselves a strong writer or an academic reader. Writing and reading are both crucial elements in many major classes and the core curriculum classes. Also both skills, are typically used everyday in the field of nursing. I do not consider my self a reader or a writer, but yet as a college student I do both nearly everyday. As a female

Hirsch states that culturally literacy is “to possess the basic information needed to thrive in the modern world” (Hirsch, ‘Cultural Literacy’). I consider myself culturally and academically literate, but I do not consider my self a reader, writer, or a good speaker. Classroom discussions typically intimidate or do not interest me. Often I know the answers, but do not speak up because I am afraid to be wrong. I agree with Tannen and her idea that male and female students typically communicate differently. I fit into most of her conclusions of female students and how they communicate differently than male classmates (Tannen). Although I may truly hate public speaking, speech class is a necessary evil. I do believe classes like speech and English classes are critical in a well rounded education. Speech class forces me to be a public speaker. It has also helped me feel more comfortable discussing my opinion in front of classmates. English class forces me to be a reader and a writer. Reading, writing, and speaking are all crucial elements in a successful college career. Core curriculum emphasizes elements like these. Core curriculum at a college level has also helped me develop as a well rounded