Final answer:
Students show the most improvement in their reading and writing abilities when they engage actively with the text through annotation and keeping a reading journal, as well as breaking up reading into manageable sessions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Research suggests that students' reading and writing ability shows the most improvement when they actively engage with the text through methods such as annotation and keeping a reading journal. These strategies help students retain information and better understand the material, which consequently improves their writing skills. This is particularly evident through improved essay scores noted in surveys from the San José State University Writing Center. Additionally, breaking readings into manageable chunks of twenty to thirty minutes can further aid comprehension and retention.
It is also critical to note that by skipping the reading and searching for shortcuts, students likely end up working harder when writing essays. This is because they miss the opportunity to perform in-depth analysis required by their assignments. Moreover, choosing to focus on topics of interest within the required readings not only makes the writing process more enjoyable but also often results in clearer and more focused essays.
Lastly, although some research suggests that reading on paper might slightly improve comprehension as compared to reading e-books, the findings are not definitive. It is the method of active reading and consistent practice that truly contributes to students' improved reading and writing abilities.