"Today, most state standards in language arts do not require children to learn the parts of speech in the early grades" (Hirsch 96). The book goes on to show how a lack of education in writing and grammar as a younger child, only increases as one gets older. Hirsch mentions that "college teachers report that when students actually make it to college, they do not write or spell adequately" (97). The book supplies a sample essay written by a college student who received an A for that paper. However, Hirsch illustrates how this student writes with improper English and, clearly, does not understand the basics of grammar. It brings into question how papers are being graded and whether students are being taught what they need to learn. Further, Hirsch writes that "short-answer and multiple-choice tests have become the preferred evaluation method, so that faculty members can avoid having to read student papers" (98). Therefore, this brings up the question: are schools thinking more about what is best for the students or for the teachers?

The article attached is from the point of view of a man who names himself the shadow scholar. He claims to have written hundreds of papers for college students, graduate students, etc. Therefore, if students are not learning how to properly write, how much are they willing to pay someone to write for them? And, further, what sort of people are becoming our doctors and lawyers and financial consultants - people who are literate, or people who know how to foot a bill?

ARTICLE:

http://chronicle.com/article/article-content/125329/

I agree with many of the things both of you said. When I wrote that comment above - it was just to get myself thinking and other people thinking. I do think that as a doctor or business person you have to an amazing writer to be successful at your career. However, I do agree with Caitlyn that everyone should at least have a basic knowledge of writing, because it is a life skill and an important one. At the same time, though, I do have to respectfully disagree with you, Lindsey, when you say that lawyers do not have to be adept at writing. Most of law school is comprised of writing, being able to win a case, argue points, have command over language. However, I do agree with you Lindsey that everyone has their talents and that if you are going into a particular career, say Business, what is most important is having a thorough understanding of that particular subject matter. I also agree with both of you that cheating is REALLY the main issue at stake here. What is being presented by Ed Dante is that students are unethically passing off papers as their own, which is allowing them to gain financial success later in life. That is not fair. But thank you both for responding - I did not expect to get responses so fast! =P