Within the last few years English curriculum, especially at the introductory levels, has changed so that reading and the study of literature is integrated with the learning of writing skills. Consequently, English teachers need to consider the best way to merge the two skills by drawing upon the findings of psychologists and cognition theorists to plan appropriate classroom activities. Journal-writing and small group discussions in composition and literature classes have been successful methods for merging the skills of reading, discussing, and writing. Students not only learn the commonalities of reading and writing skills but get actively involved with the text being studied through: (1) independent reading, thinking, and writing about ideas presented in literature; (2) sharing of those ideas in small and then in large groups; (3) reevaluating those ideas in after-class journal entries; and (4) articulating those ideas in formal writing assignments, papers or exams. (MHC)