Concludes that the rhetorical specification approach to developing essay examination topics (giving writers information about the purpose of a composition, its audience, speaker, and subject) may not be the best way to elicit good writing. (JL)

Analyzes the use of transitional markers in 25 published essays. Concludes that while marker usage at times obfuscates rather than clarifies relationships, it can also enhance the writer's authority and provide both writer and reader with a mental respite before they plunge into the next thought. (MM)

Four experiments that elicited both high school and college writing teachers' evaluations of prose styles (nominal versus verbal) and a typing test that examined the processing of nominal-verbal prose revealed that nominal styles, though they are more indirect and can be too inflated and too abstract, are preferred as indications of writing…

Argues that writing in the content areas should be used as a discovery tool, stimulating students' conceptual involvement and prompting them to further investigations. (MM)

Reports on research into the pedagogical uses of Andrew Wilkinson's writing evaluation instrument. Shows how Wilkinson's scale of cognitive development can be used both to classify writing students and to suggest strategies for helping students mature as writers. (RL)

Reports results of a poll of faculty rhetorical values, student rhetorical values, and student perceptions of faculty writing preferences. Concludes that faculty members in all disciplines need to communicate their desire for clear language by responding actively as readers to student texts. (MM)

Describes projects using computer programs to help teach the writing process to college students. (MM)

Establishes a typology of nine profiles that display how content and form are generated, organized, and reassessed from intention to revision. (MM)

Presents a method of evaluating writing that (1) reduces teachers' marking time; (2) facilitates rather than judges student writing; (3) emphasizes performance rather than finished product; (4) provides double feedback, before and after revision; (5) helps bridge successive drafts by requiring immediate revision; and (6) improves student writing.…

Provides data and discussion about the effect of different kinds of testing upon the distribution of scores for racial minorities. Also considers the issue of direct versus indirect measures of writing ability and the place of usage testing in the measurement of writing ability. (RL)