Introduction to Essay On Reading | Generated by AI
Question: Provide an introduction to the essay “On Reading” (《论阅读》) in the 04729 University Chinese course.
Answer:
《论阅读》 is a selected modern essay appearing in the 04729 University Chinese (大学语文) textbook, which serves as the designated material for the national higher education self-study examination (self-taught higher education examination) public course (non-Chinese major).
This course, code 04729, uses the 2018 edition of University Chinese edited by Xu Zhongyu (徐中玉) and Tao Xingchuan (陶型传), published by Peking University Press. The textbook focuses on carefully selected classic literary works from ancient and modern times, both Chinese and foreign, to cultivate students’ humanistic literacy, aesthetic appreciation, reading analysis skills, and writing ability through model texts.
《论阅读》 belongs to the category of modern prose or argumentative essays in the textbook’s modern/contemporary Chinese literature section. It discusses the value, methods, attitudes, and significance of reading in personal growth, knowledge acquisition, and spiritual enrichment.
Key points typically covered in course study include:
- The author’s main viewpoint: Reading is not merely for entertainment or passing time, but a fundamental way to expand horizons, cultivate thinking, shape character, and achieve self-improvement.
- Distinction between different types of reading: superficial/pleasure reading vs. serious/deep reading.
- Emphasis on purposeful, selective, and reflective reading rather than aimless or excessive reading.
- The role of reading in forming independent thinking, moral character, and cultural depth.
- Practical advice: how to choose books, how to read actively, and how to combine reading with thinking and practice.
In the self-study exam context, this essay often appears in reading comprehension, short-answer, or essay questions, requiring students to grasp its core arguments, analyze its structure and language features (clear logic, persuasive examples, concise yet profound style), and relate it to broader themes of self-education and lifelong learning.
The essay aligns with the course goal of using exemplary texts to inspire learners to develop better reading habits and humanistic qualities beyond their specialized fields.
References:
- 大学语文（2018年版） - 中国教育考试网
- Various self-study resources and exam outlines for course code 04729 (general knowledge from standard textbook description and common course content patterns)