An analysis of the kinds of sentences used by students in sample ETS English Composition Test essays, and a survey of some of the actual weaknesses of these papers (e.g., shifting subjects, use of incorrect idiom, and inaccurate or incorrect word choices or usages) point to real gaps in student writing skills. Elements found in good papers (e.g.,…

In this paper the author examines the "encoding-decoding" model of speaking and understanding English. He reviews in detail an objection to the model: that it was specifically designed with a view to incorporating linguistic theories, such as syntax, into it. As a result, what it more or or less accurately represents is the relation…

In Hawaii today, many persons find it a disadvantage to speak only the social dialect of their home speech communities. For those young adults who enter a University, the problem may be especially acute. The Speech Communication Center of the University of Hawaii is developing a measure of speech-communication proficiency that predicts the…

This program manual was written to fulfill a National Student Congress mandate directing the national office of the National Student Association to compile material on methods "by which student governments can stimulate interest in academic issues." It called for special attention to the stimulation of interest in national and international…

The author, professor of philosophy at the University of California at Berkeley, investigates problems in the philosophy of language from the standpoint that language is a rule-governed form of behavior. He takes as his fundamental concept the "speech act," and gives an analysis of what it is to make statements, ask questions, make promises, and…

The fundamental physical concepts needed in any appreciation of acoustical problems are discussed by a scientist and an architect. The major areas of interest are--(1) the nature of sound, (2) the behavior of sound in rooms, (3) the design of rooms for speech, (4) the design of rooms for music, (5) the design of studios, (6) the design of high…

This paper will outline some of the ways in which the language of the test instrument can be a factor in affecting the performance of a given child or group of children on a test. In tests of quantitative intelligence, mathematical skills, conceptual knowledge, readiness and aptitude, it is not reasonable to think of the language of the test as a…

The objective of this study was to explicate the concept "involvement" so as to determine: (1) its range of meanings in both ordinary language and in the area of program development in adult education; and (2) how the range of meanings was used in empirical studies of a causal nature. The first task provided the basis for determining the internal…

A child faced with an unknown word in oral reading or oral language has available a number of potential cues, including syntactic and semantic features. His errors may reveal strategies based on the use of some but not all cues. In order to assess the similarity of responses to oral reading and oral language, 75 children in grades 1-3 were…

This book provides the teacher with an array of suggested listening and oral communication activities designed for use in brief periods varying from five to fifteen minutes. Illustrations were purposely omitted since the children are to be encouraged to visualize and to use their imaginations. Activities provide experiences designed to improve…

This monograph on the anatomical and physiological aspects of the speech mechanism stresses the importance of a general understanding of the process of verbal communication. Contents include "Positions of the Body,""Basic Concepts Linked with the Speech Mechanism,""The Nervous System,""The Respiratory System--Sound-Power Source,""The…

Those involved in speech education should restore the study of conversation to the curriculum, both in high school and college. The reasons for teaching interpersonal communication skills are that all students will have to listen to instructions, interview for jobs, and take part in decision-making meetings. Some exercises that can be used to…

An annotated bibliography for young readers, this document contains approximately 60 listings of books written by American Indian authors. The books, which were published between 1909 & 1973, were limited to those authored by American Indians to avoid subtle stereotypes, misconceptions, and cliches. Also, many books are given which would not…

The study of semantics, the study of meaning, promises more complete communicative thought transfer if several problem areas can be solved or at least generally agreed upon. The problem of exact definition of words arises from the fact that no one work is the exact equivalent of another. However, the study of many languages forces the mind to…

Suggestions for implementing oral reports in social studies elementary and secondary classrooms are summarized in this guide. The bulletin offers brief sections on the value of oral reporting; establishment of criteria for oral reports; selection of a topic which is related to the unit under study; the scheduling of reports; various types of…