Explores the use of metaphor and personification in the "classics" of scientific and technical writing, and the current resistance to creativity in scientific writing. Suggests familiarizing students with the role of metaphor in scientific creativity. (HTH)

Drawn from the experience of various ministries and departments in governments across Canada, this guide is meant to be a practical guide in implementing plain language for managers in the Ontario (Canada) government. The guide describes how to use plain language in planning, writing, designing, and editing forms and documents, and how to set up…

Notes that the basic elements of the English article system are best taught to foreign technical writing students over an extended period of time. Outlines a teaching method that emphasizes reducing errors that native English speakers perceive as wrong rather than teaching the nuances by which native writers fine tune their relationship with their…

The editor of a university magazine offers observations about writing and editing science-related articles, focusing on eliciting information during the interview with the researcher, deciding what to write and how to organize it, and rules for self-editing. (MSE)

Advocates in-class group writing exercises to increase business students' writing skills as an alternative to homework writing assignments that may make a student feel extremely pressured. Also provides excellent practice in revision--one of the most important facets of business writing. (NKA)

Describes a group exercise whose goal was to reinforce students' ability to write--and to recognize--organized, easily readable, business reports which use graphic aids as supplements to words. (NKA)

Argues that comparing standard English usage to systems of standardization students are familiar with from their technical training forces technical writing students to understand the need for consistent signaling in spelling, grammar, punctuation, and other language conventions. Includes an example from early American literature written in…

Four French language class activities are described, including a game using proverbs to review animal names and encourage comprehension; videotaping a class debate in French, to promote both exchange of ideas and student confidence before a group; a role-playing exercise in which a television news program is created; and a specialized activity to…

College teachers of English for Science and Technology (EST) are encouraged to conduct research in preparation for designing appropriate writing instruction. Specific recommendations are made for creating such a program, providing adequate support, and organizing its content, with examples offered from the program in computer science writing at…

This study compares (1) the English language use of limited-English-speaking foreign and native English-speaking college students in doing chemistry laboratory work, writing lab reports, and taking lecture notes; (2) the relationship of the language use to performance; and (3) the relationship of the foreign students' beliefs about their language…

This curriculum guide consists of materials for use in teaching a course in business English for high school students. Addressed in the individual units of the guide are the following topics: the fundamentals of communication, listening skills, oral communications, telephone communications, information resources, reading and vocabulary, the…