Describes a two-part approach to teaching the student research paper that encourages students to make a science of developing research gathering techniques and an art of blending the gathered materials with a perspective that will make the paper more than just a summary of facts. The approach uses biography as a model for research. (HTH)

Presents a procedural model for use as a prewriting strategy to help students "decenter" or distance themselves from their writing and avoid the generalities that characterize egocentric writing. The model provides opposing viewpoints in a student's analysis of problems or issues. (HTH)

Details a method wherein advance organizers are used to help students learn to deal with cause and effect relationships in their writing. (FL)

Discusses activities to teach a Rogerian approach to argument to help novice writers suspend evaluation of the opponent's position and to build their own position on values and knowledge they can share with the opponent. Includes discussion of a passage exemplifying Rogerian strategy. (HTH)

Describes a contract grading system for classes in freshman composition that is designed to encourage a great deal of revision. (FL)

Describes a writing exercise that requires students to solve a murder mystery and persuade their readers that their solution is the correct one. (FL)

Describes a "composing process paper" assignment designed to make students aware of their own writing processes and to teach important problem-solving skills. Provides a series of protocol questions students can discuss before writing descriptions of their individual writing processes. (HTH)

Describes an assignment in which students are taught to develop poetry using the ideas and words found in newspaper or magazine stories. Includes model poems. (HTH)

Presents seven writing exercises designed to (1) convince students they have something to say, (2) produce work that students enjoy writing, (3) demonstrate that good writing does not have to be dull, and (4) help acquaint students with their own ability to use various personnae. (FL)

Argues that peer review is a necessary prelude to teaching students how to revise their own writing. Outlines a peer review procedure and provides a copy of an assignment sheet used by students in evaluating each other's compositions. (FL)

Proposes a technique that will help high school and beginning college writers move from writer-based to reader-based prose through dramatic presentations. (FL)

Describes a project in which students write research papers about a chosen career. Explains that the project is successful because the students view it as a practical exercise. (FL)

Suggests stimulating the visual imaginations of student readers of Shakespeare by examining plays from new but related perspectives--for example, discussing "As You Like It" transposed to the Appalachian area. Also suggests a writing exercise in which students describe and justify choices for props, sets, and costumes for similar…

Suggests a graphic way of helping students limit the thesis for a paper to one main area and then further limit it to one point. (TJ)

Describes an assignment in which composition students explain how the elements in a magazine advertisement contribute to its overall strategy. Indicates that the assignment fosters students' critical judgment and audience awareness. (TJ)