What do you think is harder , reading or writing ?
neutral
user
Well , they ’ re completely different . Reading is passive , and writing is active .
neutral
assistant
I don ’ t think I understand what you mean . Could you explain a little more ?
neutral
user
In reading you need to recognize language by seeing the words on the page and knowing what they are . In writing you have to produce language , you have to create your own words on a blank page .
neutral
assistant
Oh , now I see what you mean . When you ’ re reading , you are just looking , but when you are writing , you are actually doing something !
neutral
user
A reading knowledge of a language is larger and different from a writing knowledge . Don ’ t you think so ?
neutral
assistant
I think I see what you mean . I can read Shakespeare but I definitely can ’ t write it .
neutral
user
Exactly .
neutral
assistant
So I have another question for you . What do you think is harder , speaking or understanding ?
neutral
user
They ’ re both harder than reading or writing .
neutral
assistant
In what way ?
neutral
user
Because they are direct communication with another person , and there ’ s a time limit . This time limit is the most serious problem for foreigners , even for those who know lots of English .
neutral
assistant
You are making me feel really discouraged .
neutral
user
I ’ m not trying to discourage you . I ’ m trying to help you . You have to live with these difficulties . Isn ’ t it better to know about them ? The more you know about what you have to face , the better you ’ ll do . I promise !
neutral
assistant