1.1 Reading and Writing in College

Introduction to Reading and Writing in College

As you begin this chapter, you may wonder 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, 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 workload can be challenging. This chapter includes strategies for studying efficiently and managing your time.

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