Week 3 Assignment: Outline

PARAGRAPH OUTLINE FORMAT

Thesis: Active reading should be a primary method of learning because it supports strong

communication skills in the workplace, enhances EFL learner’s transition from the native

language to the adopted one, and promotes a tangible experience not found in social media

engagement.

1. Reading is beneficial because it supports strong communication skills, which is necessary for

anyone seeking employment. The research has revealed that communication skills are important

to employers. Communication skills through reading can be developed early on and throughout

one’s life to the extent that employment becomes easier to obtain. “If the broader base of learners

would be redirected back to reading as a primary communication lesson, more job seekers would

find more viable employment options” (Wilson, 2013, p. 247). Research has revealed that

reading regularly can incrementally enhance a person’s ability to communicate. Those who are

opposed argue that reading is not what creates communication abilities but the active use of

communication. Likewise, opponents believe that learners learn more readily in other ways.

Readers learn better when they are reading the type of material they most connect with, such as

comic books or graphic novels. Weathersby (2016) believes that all learners are better suited to

learn if they are engaged by the method that most engages them, and it does not matter if that

engagement includes methods that are considered elementary and non-sanctioned by established

learning experts (p. 24). As a result, it is important to use the best method for each individual.

2. Beyond offering strong communication skills, more specifically, reading can also provide the

necessary tools for English language learners to learn how to transition to and effectively use the

English language. “English language learners can benefit more from reading books in the

adopted language and by mimicking the sentence structure rather than to follow conversations in

English, which generally contains colloquialisms and idioms that cannot be easily translated”

(Abrams, 2018, p. 24). Learners for whom English is a second or foreign language struggle with

English but could benefit from reading even beginner texts as a way to enhance their language

skills. Active reading is better as a primary method of learning. Additionally, EFL learners will

have an easier time of understanding the various nuances of the English language if they are

taught to use the strengths of various literary publications as learning experiences. Despite the

argument established by opponents, the research has revealed that more academic or literary

reading can greatly enhance the reader’s experience, increase the ability to critically analyze, and

establish strong reading and communication practices well into adulthood.

3. Equally, reading promotes a tangible experience that is not found in social media because it

requires active participation rather than a passive one of flipping through content. Jackson (2018)

argues that hands-on learning is best for all learners regardless of learning style and should be

adopted as a primary method for instilling language skills no matter the age (p. 348). The

introduction of social media in the 21st century has reduced the numbers of young people who

regularly read. Opponents also stipulate that requiring too much reading is a bad practice.

Required reading in elementary schools can actually reverse communication skills in the long

term. “What results from over-extended reading requirements is a student who no longer has the

ability to enjoy the reading, to gain any appreciation for the communication skills that can be

gleaned from the practice, or the long-term ability to critically analyze” (Baker, 2019, p. 529).

Commented [AMF1]: 1st supporting element.

Commented [AMF2]: 2nd supporting element.

Commented [AMF3]: 3rd supporting element.

Commented [AMF4]: The first sentence of each paragraph is the topic sentence. Notice how the order they are presented in the paper match the order presented in the thesis statement. Additionally, the topic sentence extends knowledge beyond what was offered in the thesis. For example, the first supporting element in the thesis indicates that strong communication skills make reading beneficial. The topic sentence in this paragraph extends that by indicating that these skills are necessary for anyone seeking employment.

Commented [AMF5]: Transitioning from one main point to another should be done smoothly. To do that, use transitional words and phrases.

Reading is a tangible experience that promotes engagement not found in social media spheres,

and it promotes the retaining of information more readily because it becomes an active

experience each time it is engaged. Reading can be an enjoyable experience that results in a clear

and continual method for expanding and enhancing communication skills.

APA REFERENCE ENTRIES SHOULD BE INCLUDED HERE USING 7th EDITION

APA FORMAT.

Commented [AMF6]: Each of these paragraphs will likely be the first paragraph of the section you will create for each supporting element in the research paper assignment. In each section, you will likely have 3-4 paragraphs that address just the one element at a time.