American Students Write Poorly, What Can Be Done To Address The Problem

Many students in the United States were reportedly found to write poorly. Although, several factors that contributed to this problem had been identified, the question now is, "what can be done to resolve the problem?"

Joseph Teller, an English professor at College of the Sequoias, aired his concerns about his students who couldn't write a coherent essay through an article published in The Chronicle of Higher Education. He added that despite all his efforts in trying almost every way to help the students write a comprehensible prose, the attempt generally failed.

There are divided opinions on who's to blame why students nowadays couldn't write poorly. It is, however, in Professor Teller's opinion that most teachers have turned to feelings-oriented approach rather than focusing on the rules of grammar in writing, Intellectual Take Out learned.

In addition, it has been identified that there was an increased in ambiguity between formal and informal writing. Consequently, students write their supposedly formal writing assignments using informal language and style, according to Pew Research Center.

Technology also plays a role in this ongoing issue. Survey reports have identified that students are more likely to take shortcuts, engage more in digital tools and spend lesser time to write.

Students write too fast and carelessly are the other contributing factors identified. Technology is also making the students use poor grammar and spelling in writing.

How to address this issue? Back in 2009, New Dorp High required its students to write expository essays rather than creative assignments.

To write effectively, correct use syntax rule must be emphasized. According to The Atlantic, the school also required them to learn the fundamentals of grammar and as a result, the school's passers for English Regents test and Global History exam increased within just two years.

Every state must also visit their education standards to ensure that a comprehensive writing policy is included, The National Commission on Writing recommended on its report. The aim of the policy should include the increased amount of time students must spend learning how to write and requiring them to complete a course in writing theory and practice.