[tdadams]

My nephew, a junior in high school, is among the poor writers. He uses no punctuation, doesn't capitalize proper names or at the beginning of sentences, and uses IM code in place of regular words.

I ask him why his writing is so bad and he doesn't even realize there's anything wrong with it. I ask him if his teachers ever do or say anything to correct his mistakes. He said none of his teachers have ever said a thing about it.

I really fear for his prospects as he gets into college and beyond.

[kevao]

He uses no punctuation, doesn't capitalize proper names or at the beginning of sentences, and uses IM code in place of regular words.

Strunk & White would be sooooo proud.

[Lou L]

I really fear for his prospects as he gets into college and beyond.

No offense, but it sounds like your nephew shouldn't be seen anywhere near a college, much less be accepted to one.

[Paul Atreides]

Not only do a lot of young people not write properly, but they do not see the need in doing so. In fact, if you correct some of them, you will get a slick cursing.

I was in a college literature course a few months ago, and a fellow student (who is otherwise a very nice person) was complaining to me because the instructor took off points from his test for poor spelling. I have borrowed the notes of other students and was shocked at how many simple words were misspelled over and over.

[Future Snake Eater]

He uses no punctuation, doesn't capitalize proper names or at the beginning of sentences, and uses IM code in place of regular words.

I think you just hit the real problem, right there. These kids get on the internet and every possible rule in the English language that can be broken is utterly demolished. Then they go to school and think that it's all OK to use in formal writing. It's pure laziness, really. My use of the rules of English on AIM is stressed, to be sure, but when I write anything formally, I make sure it's as perfect as it can be. These kids need much more practice.

[antidisestablishment]

Don't worry; college doesn't require writing skills either...

[NittanyLion]

I ask him why his writing is so bad and he doesn't even realize there's anything wrong with it. I ask him if his teachers ever do or say anything to correct his mistakes. He said none of his teachers have ever said a thing about it.

Im sure its knot as bad as You think. People say i right badly but eye no their knot write...

In all honesty, the root cause of poor writing is lack of practice. Teachers are reluctant to write lesson plans including said practice because grading written essays is too time consuming. One can't punch holes in an answer key and finish grading essay tests by the end of the testing period.

[HardStarboard]

>>>I really fear for his prospects as he gets into college and beyond. <<<

His teachers need to be made to fear having a job tomorrow!