I remember having to write a book report every week. You had to give the title, author, illustrator and summarize the story in a few paragraphs. I also remember having to write short research papers starting in about 3rd grade. Again, only a few paragraphs and only 1 or 2 sources, but you couldn't copy and you had to cite your source.
Now to prove you read the book you AR test. No writing involved, just multiple choice guessing. Very little paragraph writing also. My kids didn't have to write any papers until they hit high school.
I do think parent involvement has a lot to do with success in school. You can tell which kids get help/read to at home and which are just sent to watch TV.