The Blanchards sent their child Maynell off to college with a check for $8,000 in tuition (学费) and thought that was the end of it. But soon they received a letter from the dean of studies (教务主任).
"We are happy to announce we have started a remedial reading class for college freshmen and advise that your daughter Maynell participate (参加) in it. If she doesn’t, it is our opinion that Maynell will not be able to keep up with her studies. The cost will be $250. "
"I thought Maynell could read," Blanchard said to his wife.
"So did I. I think the problem is she can read, but she does not understand what she reads. If the college says she need remedial reading, she’d better get it."
A few days later they got another letter from the dean.
"The English Department has informed (通知) us that your daughter Maynell cannot write. They have suggested that she enroll in (报名参加) the remedial writing class. We started it two years ago when we discovered this was a common problem for most college students. If you agree that Maynell should get this special help, please send a check for $250."
Blanchard was angry now.
"How did she get in college if she can’t write."
Mrs.Blanchard was much more optimistic (乐观的) about it. "Maynell can write. She just can’t write complete sentences."
"She went to school for 12 years and she can’t write a sentence" Blanchard said, "They made an illiterate out of my daughter!"
"Oh, I believe that’s a bit strong. I’m sure, anyway, the college can help her learn to write. After all, it is an institution (机构) of higher learning." From what the dean says in his second letter we know for sure that ______.