In this article, the author focuses on her experiences with genre analysis. This is not a new idea or assignment. But gearing the analysis specifically toward thinking about purpose significantly narrows the focus of a typical "here's what this genre is and who uses it" essay. Genre analysis asks students to think in-depth about one particular…

How a person teaches grammar depends on what he or she believes it does. Some see grammar as a set of rules, inherited from wise forefathers. For them, teaching grammar means making students aware of, and then holding them to, these rules. Others see grammar as an expression of style, an invitation to the writer to explore how to create a…

Presents a humorous review of educational jargon. (RL)

A lighthearted look at popular euphemisms and the reasons behind their creation and use. (RL)

Ideally, one's talk segues into ways the precision of crafted phrases or stylized sentences amplifies messages, sharpens concerns, or frames praise. People pursue how words and their selective combinations illuminate and illustrate, persuade and perplex. For many, this intricate puzzle with language is a frolic, simple wordplay. In this article,…

Notes an absence of pleasure about and use of the English language, explained by: (1) the thriving industry of "put down" that makes people feel insecure about language; and (2) failure to appreciate simple, direct, pleasantly cadenced English. Encourages listening to the language to reawaken pleasure in it. (SR)

Explores the many facets of graffiti as humor, with some educational asides about using graffiti to explain forms, styles, attitudes, and variations in language. (RL)

Analyzes the special vocabulary of teenagers, with an examination of the various themes running through teen "rat" talk. Suggests that the roots of adolescent alienation are not so deep as the existence of this vocabulary and other elements of their behavior suggest. (RL)

Uses trademarks that are calculated misspellings, bumper sticker slogans, the strained and pretentious language of Howard Cosell, and governmental jargon to illustrate how to attune students to the magic and power of language, while poking fun at language abuse. (RL)

Explores the general features and some unique usages of West African English, Caribbean English, and Indian English. (EL)

Seven teachers voice their opinions (mostly negative) about contemporary, self-appointed language critics. (RL)

Illustrates the "no-win" situation in the eternal battle over matters of English usage. (RL)

Offers glimpses into the landscapes of people's lives. Discusses Edith Bruck's "Who Loves You Like This,""Life Stories: Profiles from 'The New Yorker'," and Hugh Sidey's "Portraits of the Presidents: Power and Personality in the Oval Office." (SG)

In this article, the author relates her experience in teaching poetry and how it shapes everything she and her students do in the classroom. As a language arts teacher for students in grades 7 to 12, she discovered poetry to be magical in many ways, for it offers such advantages as, brevity, which allows a quick reading and discussion of a…