ChatGPT : Why Johnny can’t write

In 1975, Newsweek published an article titled “Why Johnny Can’t Write,” [1] discussing the declining writing skills of students in the United States compared to previous generations. A 1969 assessment of students aged 13–17 years highlighted worsening writing problems, including frequent spelling errors, misuse of prepositions, poor thought organization, and lack of continuity. These issues had been apparent for decades. The article attributed these problems to various factors, including changes in teaching methods influenced by structural linguists who de-emphasized the importance of written language, a lack of adequate writing practice, and a lifestyle shift where increased television viewing reduced reading time.

This article led to a wave of diverse opinions and discussions. Previously, Aldrich (1972) [2] had spoken about the issue of student writing in an article of the same name, pointing to problems in the education system that hindered the development of writing skills. Students did not have enough time to practice writing, and teachers were not adequately prepared to teach writing, unlike in the past when it was important for English teachers to be proficient writers themselves. Bergen Jr. (1976) [3], in his similarly titled article “Why Johnny Can’t Write?” viewed the problem as linked to the educational system not allowing students enough writing practice and not recognizing writing as a creative process that requires time, not something to be hurriedly completed within a limited timeframe. Writing skill tests assessed speed — who could finish…