A bit off topic for Travelletto, but this post I sincerely agree with. Every Australian should be competent in English. It’s fundamental to communicating with others in the community. I’m not talking about new immigrants here – they should learn it to help them live here. I’m talking about those born and educated here. It’s crazy to think that someone can fail English in Year 12 and still get into University!
What do you think?
I think a lot, actually. Especially about our wonderful world of words.
Sadly, standards have slipped. My much-loved (note the judicious placement of the hyphen) Staffy, Jezabel – now deceased – had a firmer grasp of the use, and misuse, of a comma than most Year 12 students.
I’ve taught at tertiary level and it’s pretty depressing.
My motto: Reading is the Key. If you don’t read you can’t write.
Okay, that’s all.
Wonderful blog!
One last thing… Hilary Mantel is a genius, a living saint of words on the page.
Read ‘Wolf Hall’ and ‘Bring up the Bodies’. Astounding writing!
Thanks for your comment Peter. It’s crazy to think that someone can pass Year 12 with out the ability to write properly. Di