Summary of Pekins Article

Throughout the passage “A Community College Professor Reflects on First-Year Composition” Pekins structures his text by introducing his own perspective on the class before explaining how the class itself is beneficial. The major sections of the chapter are how he (the author) feels about the subject, the benefits of taking this course and how they impact the learner as well as how the learner can improve their skills from this course. This supports the fact that Pekins created an effective article on the importance and the recently show lack of reading and writing.

The organization of the text appeals to the audience in a way that is relatable and encouraging regarding the course. The pattern is very apparent in that its clear what Pekins is trying to convey which also makes it very effective. When Pekins moves from one claim to the next the logic used to make these transitions is consistent with the overall theme such that Pekins explains his point while also explaining the counter to that point which shows the reader that he understands where there may be controversy. One place that Pekins seems to go off on a tangent is when he gives the example of integration but at the same time the example does give the reader a better sense of the theme. The structure of the chapter is effective because it starts with a personal connection between the subject and the author which draws the reader’s attention to the whole of the chapter, continuing into the main point. By giving it the personal experience it makes the article cohesive, such that it tends to both the author and the reader, gives personal opinion, an example and also ties in the importance of the course itself. 

The tone of the text is straightforward and educational but also down to earth. He uses word choices such as “ At the start of each semester, my reaction to these results is always the same: heartfelt concern for these people sitting before me-men and women, some younger, some older-all of whom have arrived at my classroom with admirable goals related to acquiring satisfying careers for themselves and secure futures for their families” which helps shows he is truly looking out for the successfulness for all as well as the importance of keeping reading and writing around education standards. Pekins did use several jargon terms throughout his article but with the text surrounding you are able to determine was he is meaning. By using jargons, it helps show his credibility throughout knowing he is a professor and sees the issues explained firsthand. The tone and diction create a caring but also professional relationship with the reader, like Pekins is guiding the reader through the ways in which to be successful in this course. He treats the readers as though he is giving them advice and instruction rather than engaging in a conversation all in good intentions. Many people don’t realize the lack of reading and writing until they are presented with information or questioned about the topic. Pekins’ choice for tone appeal to the reader but it could be easy for the reader to get lost or confused throughout the text because of his professional choice of diction. 

To conclude his article and the information informing the issue of lack of college level reading and writing he states solutions and way to pursue them. He wants his readers to look at the positive aspects of this course and appreciate the opportunity they have to learn more about literature and improve their reading and writing skills despite the difficulty of the course. Pekins makes sure to keep the main point in though throughout the whole article so the readers know and can put in perspective what he sees. By providing solutions to the problem at hand he is clear on the call of action that needs to take place in order to prepare for the readiness needed. The whole article makes asks questions and make statements to make the readers think about the piece and evaluate in their own opinion the problem presented. For the future Pekins hopes to see an increase in reading and writing for the better good of all.