An adaptation of an impressionistic scoring method developed for use on student placement in an English as a second language (ESL) program is described and a correlational study of its reliability is presented. The method was chosen because of its efficiency and apparent reliability. The original emphasis of organization, length, and content of…

In the "real" world of writing, people make writing decisions based in part on their analyses of audience expectations and their own purposes. Yet, composition teachers at all levels assign general or abstract topics for essays rather than create writing tasks that require students to reflect on target audiences. Even students are aware…

This report describes research that focused on the comprehension and composition of simple texts. The first section reviews the overall goals and theoretical perspectives of the project. The second section describes the following studies carried out during the project: analysis and extension of prior thinking-out-loud (TOL) data, TOL and reading…

This packet of competency-based instructional materials was developed for use in all sections of North Shore Community College's developmental composition course. Introductory material traces the development of the competency-based system at the college, which stemmed from a need for a more consistent approach in the composition classes. Next, the…

An approach to written composition built upon knowledge of the linguistic environments of inner-city blacks is described.

English departments could solve some of their problems by seeking support for their composition programs from the business community.

This article describes steps taken to demystify the writing of chemistry as part of the development of a junior level writing course for chemistry majors at Northern Arizona University (NAU). Although the course is offered by the chemistry department, its conception, development, implementation, and assessment have been the result of an…

This paper reports on the synergisms that developed as the authors' university-wide Writing Enhanced Course (WEC) Program was implemented with their university's new core curriculum. The authors evaluate the Pilot Program model of their WEC Program and suggest the directions they plan to take now that the Program is firmly established within the…

This paper explores some ways research can be used to create a more integrated theoretical understanding of the interaction between individual cognition and social/cultural context as the motive force in literate acts. Drawing on data from recent research on writing, the paper proposes three principles that inform a more complicated interaction…

Designed for all incoming international students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, this handbook answers questions and offers information and strategies that can be used to make their transition into the U.S. system easier. It explains the expectations, norms, and procedures of the U.S. educational system. The handbook is divided into…

The composition teacher's role in responding to students papers is especially problematic when students are advanced English-as-a-Second-Language students at the graduate level. With limited knowledge of a student's field of study, the teacher can not simulate the audience the student needs to address. While evaluation by peers in the same field…

Teaching strategies and materials that support literacy development among young children are considered. Discussions concern: (1) emergent literacy; (2) creation of a literate classroom environment; (3) literature as a springboard into writing; (4) the process of building a community of writers; (5) inventive spelling; and (6) the process of…

This handbook, intended for English language arts teachers, principals, curriculum and testing specialists, superintendents, and all educators interested in preparing students for the grade 8 California Assessment Program (CAP) writing assessment, provides the practitioner with information about the content of the test, the rationale underlying…