According to Willinsky, reading is most probably amongst the most feasible and beneficial activities people can ever engage in (55). It is through reading that people get new information about other individuals, places and concepts. In fact, many researchers describe reading as an involving journey which begins the moment an individual opens the first page and ends upon closing the last page. Indeed, reading is such an important activity since it relaxes as well as trains both mind and soul (Willinsky 62). As it provides such relaxation, it boosts people’s thinking processes. There are explicit connections between reading and writing. The interdependence is more of that of chicken and eggs. Just as Willinsky states, debate on which came first is no longer important but whether one can survive without the other (66). This paper explores a personal opinion on the interconnection between reading and writing and how such feelings came about.
Interconnection between Reading and Writing
Basically, since my childhood, I have known that reading influences writing and vice versa. Whenever people read comprehensively, they are high chances of becoming better writers (Kent and Wanzek 574). Reading various genres of literature enables such readers to understand different text structures. Besides, they improve their language since they encounter new vocabulary that could be transferred in their writing. On the same note, comprehensive reading also provides a vast knowledge necessary to all the writers of works of art. Such individuals do not have to spend a lot of time thinking about the topics to write about. Whenever provided with particular topics to write about, they have preconceived knowledge on various topics, which can be fused to come up with good pieces. Precisely, a good writer have information to share on particular topics even before they are put down in writing.
At the same time, it should be remembered that writing skills are also necessary in shaping the reading skills in people just as stated by Kent and Wanzek (583). This is more evident in young children working on improving their phonic skills and phonemic awareness. Phonemic awareness is the basic understanding that sounds are as a result of sound chunks. Sounds therefore perfect as the child reads and writes new words. On the other hand, phonic skills refer to the ability to link sounds which form words (Kent and Wanzek 587). It can be reinforced only if the same words are written and read by these children. The very children can also apply their knowledge about the ways chosen in using text structure and particular languages to understand a professional author’s constructions.
Willinsky affirms that parents and teachers therefore need not engage their children in exhaustive genre study (87). This old school ideology can indefinitely foster their reading and writing skills. Therefore, teachers in consultation with the parents should strive in identifying particular genre in which a child takes great pleasure. This is less engaging but more captivating especially to the kids because they partake what interests them most. Various written texts on the genre loved by the child and which the authors have nailed it are necessary in molding these young writers. Once they have exhaustively explored the most effective skills of the model, they are granted a chance to practice. They can either compose new pieces or simply emulate their mentors’ techniques. As it can be seen, it is clear that being a good writer entirely depends on how comprehensively an individual reads. Similarly, extensive reading is also necessary for an aspiring writer to excel in creative arts.
Origin of Opinions
I always admired reading articles by my late father, Mr. Tyler Keith. He was a columnist for The Wall Street Journal. I always wondered whether I would one day rise to his stature. However, what I never understood was the extent of “torture” involved in his excellence. It amazed me how he would stay awake till late in the night glued to his laptop. It is until I joined Junior high school that I understood the reasons behind his nocturnal life. I remember him affirming that the wisest decision a reader can ever make is to stop reading. Therefore, every single word and sentence in each of his pieces were accountable in grabbing the readers’ attention. On every passing day, he needed to ensure that his topic mattered and that it was him of all other columnists that news enthusiasts had to choose. My father had a wide fan base. There was a community of people that he needed to communicate to. This meant that his work was not only meant for a handful of fellow experts who he could seek to please with the highly polished jargon. His task was to talk to people from all the corners of the world regardless of their social classes. His messages took the simplest forms possible. To achieve that, he had no choice but to read comprehensively. Amongst his uncountable articles was “Inevitable dusk”, but that was just before his demise.
Today, I am in college but still struggling to fit in my father’s large shoes. Of course, I appreciate the fact that I am no longer the amateur I was when I debuted in the field of writing. Even so, my father’s sleepless nights have come back to torment me. I aspire to be columnist with my best daily, The Washington Post. Nevertheless, I understand the great task that awaits me. The fact that I have to more than I ever imagined; sampling more and more works from some of the greatest columnists the world has ever produced. For instance, I spent the last two weeks reading articles from legendary Kevin Winter, Walter Winchell, Maureen Bridgid and many more. Their works are simply amazing and I believe, their insights will improve my skills. I would wish to point out that my indiscriminate reading culture has been of great help to me in handling class work. If there is anything that never leaves traces of worries in me is creative writing. I cannot count the number of occasions my colleagues have consulted me to at least give them hints on how to excel in this field.
It has been possible because of the extensive reading. I can guarantee that I have immensely improved on my vocabulary and grammar. However, I simply cannot afford to end the journey. The creative world is dynamic (Kent and Wanzek 600). The approach given by authors on particular subjects today may be irrelevant in a couple of years to come. In order to embrace this kind of dynamism, I have to strive so that to avoid being ravaged in the course of the journey. Like my father always said, people should never complain about missing something they are not willing to work for. My task is to read and write, write and read so as to fulfil my greatest aspiration which has been to fit in my father’s shoes. Literacy entirely depends on the interrelationship between reading and writing.
Works Cited
Kent, Shawn C., and Jeanne Wanzek. “The Relationship between Component Skills and Writing Quality and Production Across Developmental Levels: A Meta-Analysis of the Last 25 Years.” Review of Educational Research, vol.86, no. 2, 2016, pp. 570-601.
Willinsky, John. The New Literacy: Redefining Reading and Writing in the Schools. Routledge, 2017.
