Discusses the heuristic role of yes-no questions in college composition and provides two such methods for brainstorming and focusing. Presents a binary graph device ("Matrix") that correlates subjects and concerns to generate yes-no questions. Also presents a flow-chart model structuring information in the question-evidence-resolution pattern. (JG)

Investigates differences in writing styles between males and females who wrote persuasive request letters, sales letters, and collection letters in an undergraduate business communication class. Results indicate significant differences by letter but not by gender, with no significant interaction between letter and gender. (RAE)

Explores unformalized problems arising from different linguistic representations and non-representations of the categorical distinction between the real and unreal in French and in English. Because the different sensitivities to these oppositions are not acknowledged by manuals and not formalized by dictionary examples of usage, the differences…

Focusing on the alternation of languages in a bilingual classroom, a conceptual framework is discussed that utilizes the teacher's communication competence. Language alternation on the part of the teacher and the student is an active process of negotiation, creating a high level of linguistic and social exchange. (SLD)

Suggests a set of sequenced writing assignments based on language use. Argues that language study involves learning how to observe as much as observing something particular. (MS)

Focuses on the increasing use of the so-called stative verbs found in the progressive aspect from the perspective of the nonnative speaker of English. The use of stative verbs in the progressive is a predictable consequence of the meaning of the present progressive and the particular discourse contexts in which progressive statives are found.…

Discusses theories and findings concerning the status of the present perfect in American Spanish. In Spain, the present perfect is preferred to the preterite whereas the simple preterite is more frequently used in South America. The lessened usage of the past perfect parallels the narrower usage of the present perfect in Latin America. (Author/LMO)

Examines the creative manipulation of certain narrative devices in modern Greek and in Tosk Albanian to show (1) how narrative performances become ways of relating historical events and past experiences in present-day life; and (2) that studies of language death should more intensely use ethnography of the speaking paradigm to detect sensitive…

Presents grammatical and stylistic guidelines for the improvement of writing in student publications. Offers examples of correct and incorrect usage, and suggests replacements for pretentious, wordy, meaningless, imprecise, and jargon-filled prose. (AYC)

Defines the term "hedging" (the use of words which make meaning less clear), focusing specifically on its nature and consequences in the teaching of the English language. Ways in which students can be made more aware of such language use and can avoid it are outlined. (CB)

A study determined what types of speech act five- to 13-year-olds and adults would define as "promising." Results indicate that children could distinguish between "promising" and "predicting" in terms of the speaker's responsibility for the outcome. (Author/CB)

Notes that "identification" and "commitment" appear frequently in organizational studies as ways of describing the individual's connection with the organization and argues that the concepts are distinct but interrelated. Sees identification as the substance of individual-organization relationships and commitment as the form.…

Presents personal opinions of high school teachers that reflect the linguistic diversity, literary treasures, and regional uniqueness of North America. (NH)

Presents the results of a two-year study of the use of language in ceramics classes. Provides sample dialogues and data on several topics, including: (1) problems of subject terminology, (2) teachers' assumptions of student knowledge and understanding of the subject, and (3) the proportion of time given to the use of verbal language. (JDH)

A research study was conducted to determine the relative frequency of occurrence of English punctuation rules, features of typewritten format, selected elements of English style in written business communications, and frequency of error for each element. Tabulations were made on the frequency of errors and correct occurrences for each analyzed…