Although speech and writing both contain functional varieties as well as many similar mechanical aspects, mature writing contains a number of conventions (words, idioms, constructions) rarely found in mainstream native speech. Among areas of contrast are vocabulary, syntactic constructions--especially punctuation--and the more complex use of auxiliaries in writing. These differences between speech and writing affect the English curriculum in the teaching of reading, composition, and literature. Reading and writing instruction should be approached systematically with increasingly sophisticated constructions and with the realization that reading is a passive recognition of symbols while writing is the active production of symbols. Leading students to understand and appreciate literature leads them to understand and enjoy the language they write. (JM)