Best Books for Developing College Reading and Writing Skills

Transitioning to college can be challenging, especially when it comes to honing reading and writing skills. Elements of Style by Strunk and White stands out as an invaluable resource that can benefit you personally, academically, and professionally. It is a thin, old, and cheap book that provides better guidance than anything else available. Moreover, it's quite humorous, making the learning process enjoyable. Avoid using tools like Grammarly, as they can ruin your natural writing style.

Another important system to consider is the Cornell Note-Taking System. I highly recommend this method for organizing and summarizing information effectively.

Beyond these, I share my personal opinions and experiences. Our son, currently a Junior, grew up having to annotate books while reading. This practice, although tedious, had its merits. However, my recommendation is to read a book for pleasure first and then go back to extract the necessary information for school. This approach enhances the flow and enjoyment of reading.

Community College Textbooks

Community colleges and universities often have specific textbooks for English 101 classes. These books are particularly helpful and offer a wealth of information. It's worth noting that textbooks can be expensive, but buying used books often saves a significant amount of money without compromising the quality of information.

The Essential Skills Gap

Upon entering college, it's common to realize that high school study skills often fall short of the expectations at the college level. This realization can come as a shock and necessitates a period of adjustment and hard work. College-level reading and writing skills involve a magnitude of improvement rather than just a list of specific skills. However, there are a few essential books and methods that can help bridge this gap.

Recommended Reading and Writing Books

By investing in these resources and developing good reading and writing habits, you can make your college experience more manageable and enriching. Remember, the key is consistency and practice.