This article presents the author's reflection on Statement 4 of the Australian Association for the Teaching of English (AATE) "Statements of Belief". The statements attempt to outline beliefs about what might form the most important work of Australian English teachers. The author explores Statement 4, which heralds: "We are committed to developing powerfully literate students who are able to realise their own goals and aspirations, and participate effectively as citizens in the twenty-first century." To be powerfully literate, the author expects students should be capable of controlling their use of language. She stresses that a powerfully literate student is one who can use language to impress, persuade, send messages and to achieve their goals. However, she reverts to sarcasm to demonstrate the irony of what teachers expect of their students. Teachers expect students to leave as powerfully literate, confident, intelligent young adults and yet teachers are just not giving them the tools to do this. Here, the author offers some tips in teaching students to be powerfully literate.