You probably had to think twice about the above statement. Perhaps, if you were an examiner or editor you may have already discarded it. Hopefully, you have persevered and made sense of it and decided to continue reading believing what follows might be of interest to you. The deliberation you have made in order to continue reading illustrates two conflicting theories; whether or not writing can be successful without correct spelling and punctuation.

   The first theory, which is one that is perhaps becoming increasingly dominant, is that spelling and punctuation takes second place to the content of the writing. In a group discussion with some former student colleagues of mine it was suggested to me that the emotional or academic value of material is more important than using accepted writing conventions. One person suggested that James Joyce’s Ulysses was an example of successful writing despite the complex sentence construction and another suggested that poetry was an example of how communication can be effective without excessive punctuation.

  The opposing theory favours correct spelling and punctuation; it suggests communication is ineffective if writing is littered with errors. In the discussions with my colleagues it was generally accepted that spelling mistakes are less of an issue, but correct punctuation was seen as vital to meaning. However, perhaps even with poetry, it must be acknowledged that it follows unwritten forms of punctuation and style which make it readable. For example, Shakespeare’s sonnets demonstrate an accepted poetic practice of fourteen lines of poetry in a set format containing rhythmic iambic pentameter. Without conventions such as these poetry may not have so great an impact

   Surprisingly, it was revealed in the course of further discussions that my colleague who had referred to Ulysses had not continued to read the novel beyond the first page. He believed he had actually been discouraged by the complexity of the sentence structure. Does this suggest that content itself is not enough to make writing successful for the laymen and add weight to the second theory? Is it a myth put about by academics and editors that such literary style writing is successful? Is excessive punctuation as off-putting as incorrect punctuation? In my opinion, as demonstrated in greater proportion of bestsellers, there is certainly a movement away from the literary to a more simplistic style. This could be the result of falling standards of education or even the pressures of modern life demanding an “easy read.” Either way, it is a demonstration of the changing patterns of the average reader.

   Perhaps there is a third position; one which encompasses both arguments. It depends on what you determine “successful” to mean. If a piece of writing is technically correct, but holds no interest for the reader, it could be seen as unsuccessful. Equally, if a piece of writing captures a reader’s interest, but cannot be read easily perhaps it should also be deemed a failure. It could be that there is a place where these two theories merge; maybe you cannot have one without the other.

  It would be prejudicial to suggest that you cannot be a talented writer without literacy skills. Problems, such as dyslexia, may restrict literacy ability, but not the capacity to think or imagine which are the foundations of all successful work. It is possible either by education, proof reading or editing to overcome some hurdles. It depends on your viewpoint as to where the meeting point is between the two theories; the point when a manuscript becomes untenable.

   Ultimately, there is no doubt that the content of the material is vital; millions would not have read The Da Vinci Code unless it contained dramatic and explosive material. However, the correct use of spelling and punctuation gives the right setting; it creates order out of chaos. It is also an enormous asset throughout life because, by association, it demonstrates education and learning. From completing the simplest of tasks, such as form filling, to writing an academic thesis, it will assist your endeavors.

  Accomplishment in literacy may seem a formidable task, but a novice should not be disheartened, for it is one that can be mastered and even those with diagnosed learning difficulties can be helped. In the course of time it can become second nature and an invaluable skill for life.

Copyright Mrs T 2008