College Reading and Writing: The Typical and

the Exemplary

Ann M. Johns, PhD

Professor Emerita, Linguistics & Writing Studies

San Diego State University

A Quick Quiz: Short Answer What is the average number of pages per

week assigned for college reading in the social sciences and humanities?

What do students read for? (List) What is the typical writing task in

freshman and sophomore classes? What do faculty across the curriculum

grade for? What’s important? (List)

College reading (across the curriculum) is Rapid: Particularly in the humanities and social

sciences, many pages are assigned for independent reading , or

Intense: In the sciences and technology, close reading is central.

Purposeful and selective: Students need to know why they are reading and take appropriate notes.

Determined by class concepts, content, and assessments.

College cross-curricular writing is Scholarly and academic: seldom, if ever,

personal.

Devoted to discussion, critique, and analysis of topics and questions that are of academic interest.

Often assigned as a “researched argument,” supported by sources. (See the new AP assessment.)

Writing tasks: Common features Short: 2-3 pages Completed in class, and written to a

faculty-designed prompt. Vary unpredictably in text structure and

purpose. Require integration of sources. Demand precision---and a concise,

impersonal style.

Preparing for College Tasks Assign independent reading for academic

purposes: finding an argument, writing a summary, selecting specific information related to a concept.

Apply readings to a variety of writing tasks. Practice prompt analysis and response. Build academic vocabulary and editing skills. Require oral and written paraphrase, summary

and synthesis.