Characteristics Of A Good Reader/Writer
... or any of a dozen other identifiable patterns. When the organization is strong, the piece begins meaningfully and creates in the writer a sense of anticipation that is, ultimately, systematically fulfilled. Events proceed logically; information is given to the reader in the right doses at the right times so that the reader never loses interest. Connections are strong, which is another way of saying that bridges from one idea to the next hold up. The piece closes with a sense of resolution, tying up loose ends, bringing things to closure, answering important questions while still leaving the reader something to think about. Word Choice is the use of rich, colorful, precise language that communicates not just in a functional way, but in a way that moves and enlightens the reader. In good descriptive writing, strong word choice clarifies and expands ideas. In persuasive writing, careful word choice moves the reader to a new vision of things. Strong word choice is characterized not so much by an exceptional vocabulary that impresses the reader, but more by the skill to use everyday words well. Sentence Fluency is the rhythm and flow of the language, the sound of word patterns, the way in which the writing plays to the ear, not just to the eye. How does it sound when read aloud? That's the test. Fluent writing has cadence, power, rhythm, and movement. It is free of awkward word patterns that slow the reader's progress. Sentences vary in length and style, and are so well crafted that the writer moves through the piece with ease. In general, good readers have positive attitudes about reading and positive self-perceptions of themselves as readers. They choose to read a variety of materials, recognizing that reading serves many purposes in their lives. They read often and have developed their own criteria for what makes a text enjoyable or useful. They function successfully in schools, homes, and workplaces. They attain personal satisfaction that can come only from reading. Reading for literary experience usually involves the reading of novels, short stories, poems, plays, and essays. In these reading situations, readers explore the human condition and consider interplays among events, emotions, and possibilities. In reading for literary experience, readers are guided by what and how an author might write in a specific genre and by their expectations of how the text will be organized. The readers' orientation when reading for literary experience usually involves looking for how the author explores or uncovers experiences and engaging in vicarious experiences through the text. Reading to be informed usually involves the reading of articles in magazines and newspapers, chapters in textbooks, entries in encyclopedias and catalogues, and books on particular topics. The type of prose found in such texts has its own features and readers need to be aware of those features to understand it. For example, depending on what they are reading, readers need to know the rules of liter...