Examines three phases of linguistics' influence on writing instruction. Suggests that the production of context-independent, explicit texts is too narrow a goal and that helping students imitate speech in their writing is a proper goal for an advanced composition class. (RAE)

Recommends that as college faculties of all disciplines become more concerned with the quality of their students' writing and seek assistance of composition faculties in improving it. The need for a common vocabulary for defining "good" writing, diagnosing problems, and recommending teaching methods is apparent. (RAE)