1)  Acquiring a language is easy for a native speaker. It happens naturally, 
without direct instruction.
        
    Yes.

2) Achieving high levels of literacy is hard, but for the most part it happens 
without direct instruction.

    Yes. Reading and discussing a wide variety of texts leads to a high level of 
literacy for those who attain a high level of literacy, but this usually doesn't 
happen.  Only a small percentage of people develop high levels of literacy. It 
doesn't happen without direct instruction for those who don't develop a high 
level of literacy.

3) Acquiring the language of Standard English is hard, but for the most part it 
happens without direct instruction.

    Yes.  It generally happens without direct instruction for those who learn it 
and without direct instruction for those who fail to learn it.  


4)  Learning to read complex texts is hard, but for the most part it happens 
without direct instruction.

    As above.  

5) Learning to write effectively is hard, but for the most part it happens 
without direct instruction.

    No.  Most effective writing is the result of effective direct instruction.  
Few people become effective writers without being taught how to write 
effectively.  


6) Learning about language is hard. It does not happen without direct 
instruction.

    Yes.  

Scott Woods
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