@matt:

Teachers are paid to read. Professional readers are not.

Transition story:

“Your TA is paid, or at least morally trapped, to read. A reviewer, PI, or hiring manager is not trapped.”

Key point:

• Teachers often read to evaluate your understanding.
• Professional readers read only if the text helps them.
• In school, the value of the assignment is already decided. In professional settings, your writing must create the reason to read.