Discusses how computer programing and expository writing are both based on the ability to (1) recognize that a complex whole is composed of manageable parts, and (2) identify the necessary steps for achieving a goal or supporting a generality, and (3) concentrate on and summarize a large amount of information into an abbreviated, succinct…

Presents a series of alternatives to the modernist research paper: the argumentative research paper, the personal research paper, the research essay, and the multi-genre/media/disciplinary/cultural research paper. Addresses theoretical implications of alternative research writing strategies. (NH)

Argues that the topic sentence can be a valuable rhetorical strategy. Examines the origin and development of the topic sentence concept, considers twentieth century criticisms of the topic sentence, and argues that readability research on the topic sentence and schema theory supports the value of using topic sentences in expository prose. (HTH)

Argues that the romantic and classical theories about writing are not necessarily contradictory and proposes a larger view of the writing process that would accommodate both theories. Notes that problems in choosing composition instruction approaches stem from teachers' failure to distinguish between two of three categories of nonfiction writing.…