6. READING GOOD WRITING Consider your print diet: what are you reading in your spare time? This is an important
question because what you read can influence what you write. The computer science term
“garbage in, garbage out” applies. If you are reading mediocre writing, it won’t help your
essay, but if you consistently read great writing, it can make a difference with your own.
Syntax, structure, and style can improve under the influence of writers who are masters at
their craft.
The following list is based on suggestions made by English professors and teachers, col-
lege counselors, and admissions officers. It includes books and periodicals that cover cur-
rent events, book reviews, science, history, race relations, sports, and other topics. Choose
essays that appeal to you; there is no need to force yourself to read about something you
are not interested in.
PERIODICALS ◆ Harper’s (weekly magazine): essays, fiction, and reporting on political, literary,
cultural, and scientific affairs.
◆ The Economist (daily newspaper): London publication covering world news,
finance and economics, science and technology, books and arts, and business
news.
◆ The New Yorker (weekly magazine): political and business reporting, social com-
mentary, fiction, humor, art, poetry, and criticism.
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