Reading Response for NEA, “Trends in Literature Participation, 1982 – 2002” from Reading at Risk

In “Trends in Literature Participation, 1982 – 2002,” the National Endowment for the Arts presents a picture of trends in literary reading over the past couple of decades. The report refers both to overall numbers of literary readers and to rates of literary reading. It also breaks these figures down demographically: by gender, race, level of education, and age.

Write a response that analyzes the NEA report. As you respond, focus on three things:

First, look at the overall figures in the first few sections both for numbers of readers and for the rates of literary reading and other literary participation. What do these different kinds of numbers mean, and what kinds of changes in overall literary reading and participation do they suggest have occurred? What numbers do you find most revealing, interesting, questionable, or confusing?

Second, follow the data for one particular demographic group. What kinds of changes have occurred for this group? How do they compare to the changes in other groups? Does the report indicate reasons for these differences? What sorts of explanations might you offer?

Third, look at the causes the NEA suggests are behind the overall changes in reading patterns. Do you find their suggestions reasonable? What other factors do you think might account for the changes the report documents?

 You need not follow any particular format in composing your response, but be sure to develop a logical organization. Although the questions should guide your analysis of the report, you should not simply answer each question and move on. Instead, compose a coherent, disciplined, brief essay that responds to the report. Use the questions above to get started and focus your attention. Please feel free to add any kinds of analysis or response you believe are important but not covered in these questions.