Professional speakers often use simple mental recipes to organize impromptu talks. The author taught these recipes to his high school composition students and used a timed trial format to give them practice in rapidly outlining their thoughts on a given topic. Thirteen of these recipes are provided. (SJL)

Advocates using the case approach in college writing classes. Suggests that asking students to play the roles of participants in a situation, whether real or imaginary, helps them learn to address a particular audience with a clear purpose. Offers a case approach with discussion questions and possible assignments. (RL)

To dramatize the need for logical organization and precise definition, students are asked to write essays describing specific everyday objects (e.g., screwdriver, nutpick). After the essay is read aloud the class tries to guess the item and comments on the effectiveness of the description. (DS)

Writing workshops are held for gifted students (7 to 15 years old) and include journalism, guidebook, and fiction work with critical analysis of each other's writing. Sample exercises and brainstorming techniques are discussed. (CL)

Reports on a study of errors made in dictation exercises (German as a foreign language, Hamburg University). Notes that aural misunderstandings lead to erroneous original interpretations which distort the message of the text. Calls for caution and further research on the use of dictation. (IFS/WGA)

The author, who teaches a multischool writing seminar for K-8 students and their teachers, explains some of the activities of this interschool literary group and presents two writing exercises he has used, one on writing the introductory paragraphs for a novel, and the other on characterization. (SJL)

This study assessed the fundamental characteristics of the ice skating start. (MM)

Proposes a freshman composition class writing assignment in which students plan, conduct, and write up an interview of an adult friend or relative, focusing on one stage or event in that person's life. (RL)

Physical exercise is a crucial but often neglected part of any recreation program for the elderly. The efforts of one senior citizen center to improve this situation are described. (LH)

Results of an analysis of the Avery-Richardson Tennis Serve Test are presented. (JD)

Presents a method for helping students learn to evaluate data, draw conclusions, and state a most probable hypothesis in writing essays. (TJ)

The facts about nine physical exercise myths are presented. (SB)

Fitness development must be planned; it is not attained as an incidental consequence of participating in recreation or competitive activity. (JD)

The motor-driven treadmill and dual-drive bicycle ergometer are equally valid instruments with which to obtain maximal oxygen uptake scores with healthy college males. (JD)

A joint venture between an adult education service and a health promotion team in Kent, England, enables doctors to refer patients to health and fitness courses. More than 49% of participants are over age 60. A wide range of offerings, personal counseling, health diaries, and 50% fee reduction encourage participation. (SK)