Reading Response to Other Text

In The Norton Field Guide to Writing with Readings and Handbook, one of the literacy narratives I read was titled, “Proficiency” by Shannon Nichols. In this narrative, the author described her adventure of taking the standardized writing proficiency test. Nichols had to pass this test in order to graduate high school.

            Nichols extensively prepared for this test. After she finally took the test, she was almost positive she passed. As it turned out, Shannon Nichols passed every part, except writing! Nichols kept trying and decided to take the test again; unfortunately, she received the same results and did not pass. When preparing to take the test for the third time, she did not try as hard. She thankfully passed after three attempts but never felt the same about writing.

            The theme of this literacy narrative was that in life, sometimes unfortunate happen. We will not succeed at everything. This theme was sad and a bit harsh, but life itself is a bit sad and harsh.