A：What do you think is harder, reading or writing?

B：Well, they’re completely different. Reading is passive, and writing is active.

A：I don’t think I understand what you mean. Could you explain a little more?

B：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.

A：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!

B：A reading knowledge of a language is larger and different from a writing knowledge. Don’t you think so?

A：I think I see what you mean. I can read Shakespeare but I definitely can’t write it.

B：Exactly.

A：So I have another question for you. What do you think is harder, speaking or understanding?

B：They’re both harder than reading or writing.

A：In what way?

B：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.

A：You are making me feel really discouraged.

B：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!