Why Writing Does Not Improve with Reading by Maria Gurevich.
We have all heard this advice, “If you want to improve your writing, just read more.” Parents often call me and say, I don’t know what is wrong with my child, she reads so much, yet her writing is not improving.” The idea that writing will improve with reading is a common misconception, and most of us don’t really understand the mechanism behind it.
The truth is, reading a particular genre can improve your writing skills within the boundaries of that genre only. For example, if you or your child writes poetry, reading poetry will improve your own poetry, but not research essays or any other types of written assignments unrelated to poetry. If the student’s goal is to graduate from a reputable business school, no amount of poetry will prepare them for the 20-page SWOT analysis assigned in the first year at Schulich. Reading the Business Insider and other related publications will certainly help with business related assignments. But it will not make you a better poet. The same goes for all other genres and forms of writing.
Students are required to read fiction, and write essays. The structure and even vocabulary used in fiction is very different from the structure and vocabulary we use in formal essays. Novels and essays are two completely different genres. It is not surprising that reading one does not improve the writing of the other. Reading fiction will help you write fiction. That’s all.
Reading fiction has tremendous benefits for the mind, for personal growth, for understanding the world, and forming opinions. Reading does make you smarter. Reading should be encouraged at every stage of a person’s life. The one thing reading should not be, is it should not be used as a method to improve writing. Reading and writing are two very different skills. Both are wonderful and necessary. Both can and should be taught. Yet, writing is much more complex requiring a distinct set of competencies and teaching methods. We are always happy to share our effective approach which has helped hundreds of students achieve their goals.
We can help students of all ages develop superior writing skills. Get in touch to talk about your child’s needs or join us for a trial class.