Language by drill

The last line of the Science & Technology column "A Software Path to Learning Languages," June 24, reads "Freed from drill-and-practice, teachers can make the classroom the ultimate avenue for interactive learning."

Regarding the reference to drill-and-practice: For one year in Europe my sister and I and eight other students entered a small classroom three times a week and were "drilled" in English grammar by Mr. Sbordoni. His technique made it possible to learn because he forced each and every one of us to parse sentences from a book called "Simplified English Grammar."

All that I now understand of American grammar I attribute to this period of learning. If I could, I would provide the same experience for every American student. R. Donaldson, Concord, Mass.

Letters are welcome. Only a selection can be published, subject to condensation, and none acknowledged. Please address them to "Readers Write," One Norway St., Boston, MA 02115.