The Importance of Writing

2.2.2 The Importance of Writing

Steffens and Dickerson, editors of the book Writer’s Guide to History a valuable resourse in Pitart 2011:2 stated that ―the process of writing is as critical to the study of history as reading...‖ specifically, a Writing is a fundamental intellectual activity. It means that it does not communicate what one has learned, but it causes someone to learn. When someone tries to write somethin g, it is not only about one‘s knowledge, but also through writing someone can learn something new. It promotes discovery problem solving and organization. b Writing helps you to learn history. We learn as an active participant, not as passive recipients through lecture and textbooks. It gives more meaning for learners. Graham and Perin 2007:3 stated that writing well is not just an option for young people —it is a necessity. Along with reading comprehension, writing skill is a predictor and indicator of one‘s academic success and a basic requirement for one‘s participation in civic life and in the global economy. It mentions in Graham and Perin in the same page that: In addition, every school day 7,000 young people drop out of high school Alliance for Excellent Education, 2006, many of them because they lack the basic literacy skills to meet the growing demands of the high school curriculum Kamil, 2003; Snow Biancarosa, 2003. Poor writing skills also can be identified as a part of National literacy crisis. In United States of America, a large of number students graduates from High school with low-writing proficiency. They cannot write the basic level inquire by colleges and employers. It can impact their next carrier if they cannot fulfill the writing level. In addition, every school day 7,000young people drop out of high school Alliance for Excellent Education, 2006 in Graham and Perin 2007. It makes writing becomes important.It is not only as regard individual skills but also the developing of the country. The quality or proficiency of one‘s writing gives a big impact to the country. It may seem unpretentious, but in practical, many people are failed in fulfilling the writing subject and it impact to the next level of their education and career. From that statement, I infer that writing is very important in our life, not only to fulfill the assessment in school but also for the progression of the country. It makes writing important in any aspect of life. Building up the students‘ awareness of the importance of writing should be taught in early ages or stages. For some students, writing problems often affect other subjects and affect overall academic success. Students writing skills determine their success in school and in their career.

2.2.3 Teaching Writing for Junior High School