Summary I am a product of the American education system. In all sixteen years of my life, I have spent twelve of them enrolled in school. With this experience, I had books forced down my throat in an attempt to enlighten me about literature. However, I am not alone. Students nationwide are required to read certain texts according to the national school curriculum. While they may not be the most interesting topics to read about, they provide common ground for all students, no matter where they are. Standardizing reading requirements would allow for reciprocity in classrooms and public spaces, stimulating conversation about popular topics. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Having a list of required essays would allow people to get a general idea about certain topics. Literary works that would become canonical would gain “status and accessibility to the reading public” (Source A). More people would be educated about those certain books and therefore it would encourage discussion. Furthermore, there would be no discrepancies between public and private education since the curricula would be identical (Source B). Students would become more educated on topics that everyone agrees are important. For example, if multicultural literature were chosen as part of the school curriculum, students would be able to become more culturally aware and even assert “feelings of self-worth.” (Source E). If standardized reading took place, there would be an established standard. And even if you argue that this discourages creative freedom, you have to remember that the Internet exists. Online “there will be no texts that everyone will have to read”. (Source F) People would have the opportunity to express their opinions on topics read in class via the Internet, thus sparking further conversations. Having a series of required readings would help create a literary community. Common ground would be formed if there were specific texts that all high school English students were required to read. Students would be enlightened on topics that would encourage discussion both inside and outside of classrooms, whether in person or virtually. People nationwide might have something to talk about and have a discussion or even a debate. It would encourage people to express their opinion and communicate.