1. In this video, readers discuss a range of written material--from cereal boxes and comic books to contracts and scientific papers. The readers describe a number of purposes for their reading, such as keeping up with new ideas in their profession, preparing to face a sports opponent, and learning about the world at large. What do you read, and why? What types of material do you read? Give three examples. For each example, explain why you read this type of material.

2. After writing a book about the business of music, David Ellefson found that he was more comfortable reading contracts than he had been before. Describe a writing project that increased your confidence about a subject or field. You might choose a formal project (a class assignment that helped you master a difficult concept) or an informal one (a letter to a friend that helped you to understand a situation better) Identify and describe the aspects of the writing process that helped you gain confidence or understanding.