The 1988 Writing Objectives Assessment is the fifth such assessment by the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) in grades 4, 8, and 12, since the program began in 1969. The objectives reflect a consensus of opinion regarding the process of writing: that it is used for a variety of purposes and audiences, and that the form and process of the writing will vary accordingly. The objectives outlined here are: (1) writing to accomplish a variety of purposes, including informative, persuasive, and personal/imaginative writing; (2) managing the writing process, including generating ideas, drafting, revising and editing; (3) controlling the forms of written language, including genre, organization, mechanics, and language usage; and (4) valuing writing and the written word for interpersonal communication, for society, and for oneself. The booklet also includes a section of suggested instructional exercises for each of these objectives, and a list of the writing consultants who developed these writing objectives. (JGL)