Presents a description and explanation for the use of "lie" and "lay" in a sentence. Gives several examples in addition to a 10-sentence quiz. (SG)

Considers the concept of "Language Lapses" and presents 10 examples of common mistakes found in language. (SG)

Discusses the meaning of "Good English," the distinction between functional efficacy and aesthetic value, and why teachers teach writing. (JAD)

Discusses the logic, elegance, and history of using they, them, and their as singular indefinite pronouns. Notes that, as a solution to the pronoun problem, the strength of this solution is its vagueness. Offers numerous real-life examples from publications or broadcasts and lists why it is counterproductive for English teachers to exclude this…

Describes one teacher's attitudes concerning the disappearance of the use of apostrophes for possessives not only in student writing but also professional media. Provides numerous examples of both. (HB)

Considers the primary focus of business communication teachers in classrooms in which English is not the native language of students. Outlines some of the language-related problems that occur when teaching nonnative speakers business communication and calls for a drive to address the issue of acceptable language usage in this context. (SG)

This lesson plan complements study of plot and characterization in "Romeo and Juliet" by focusing on Shakespeare's use of lyric forms and conventions to spotlight moments in the drama and thereby heightens the impact of the action on the stage. Students look first at the sonnet in which Romeo and Juliet meet, analyzing the imagery to…

Rather than dismiss teaching English usage or embrace it without question, elementary teachers need to make usage instruction meaningful and motivating and present it in a nonthreatening yet systematic manner. The teacher must become familiar with his/her particular language community by listening to students and noting the forms they are using.…

Examines the Kingman Report (Report of the Committee of Inquiry into the Teaching of English Language, HMSO, 1988). Argues that because the committee failed to address the question of "what is English for," its findings and recommendations lack credibility. (MM)

Examines the Kingman Report (Report of the Committee of Inquiry into the Teaching of English Language, HMSO, 1988). Finds that an analysis of the report shows it to abound in confusions and omissions. (MM)

Intended for administrators and policymakers as well as teachers, this digest examines the current state of the plain English movement, which is an effort to persuade government agencies, businesses, and professional organizations to write in clear, understandable English. After enumerating the benefits that the use of plain English can generate…

Reflecting a view of how classrooms can and should look to assist all students to achieve high standards of excellence, this curriculum framework presents the first statewide framework for learning, teaching, and assessment in the English language arts for Massachusetts public schools. After an introduction, it discusses the core concept…

In accordance with RSA (Revised Statutes Annotated) 193-C relative to the New Hampshire Educational Improvement and Assessment Program, the purpose of this framework is to serve: (1) as the basis for the development of assessment instruments to be administered, statewide, at the end-of-grades 3, 6, and 10; and (2) as a guide for making local…

Examines language, culture, and the curriculum from a linguistic perspective. Comments on the nature of language and its relation to society. Juxtaposes these ideas with the aims of governments trying to control a culturally diverse population. Claims that the imposition of "proper language" is one way governments silence minority…

Students need to be made comfortable with the "foreign" language of British English before they can fathom the range of and changes in English literature through the centuries. In one approach to college English, students spend most of the first semester studying nineteenth century novels. After having studied four such novels, each for between…