Recording, narrative, exposition, and argument were hypothesized to present writing tasks of increasing cognitive and verbal complexity. This was investigated by obtaining writing samples in each mode from a stratified sample of 128 Australian sixteen year olds. The cognitive-complexity hypothesis was supported by data concerning the relative…

Examines the nature of thematization and thematic progression in children's narrative styles, in order to draw some conclusions regarding the acquisition of textual skills. (AM)

Some methods of teaching narrative are outlined, using an approach stressing the correlation of verb form and language function. Emphasis is placed on the salient features of narrative, notably chronological sequence. Actual teaching material shows how tabulation and information transfer techniques can be employed in story-telling. (CHK)

Both normal (N=19) and language-disordered (N=19) 7- to 10 year-olds used a higher rate of acceptable departures (during recall of text) from the original meaning than any other type of departure with normal children, producing a higher rate of acceptable departures. Both groups repaired fewer unacceptable grammatical departures than unacceptable…

Suggests that informal reading inventories (IRIs) should include both narrative and expository passages. Describes a study of several reading inventories indicating that some current secondary school IRIs have been constructed with some consistency of text types, but failed to reveal a clear picture of text structure for the inventories. (HTH)

Two speech perception experiments were conducted with 12 normally hearing adults using a modified speech tracking procedure to determine the effects of controlling connected discourse materials and the effects of specific prompting techniques on tracking rate and subjects' responses. Results showed higher tracking rates for controlled materials.…

Reviews network telecasts of the 1984 nominating conventions from the perspective of the narrative paradigm. Indicates that ABC, CBS, and NBC each provided a distinct narrative. (JK)

Presents an evaluation of the Houghton Mifflin and Scott Foresman Reading Programs which reveals that stories in both of these series satisfy the requirements of a conventional story grammar. Suggests that such stories help children comprehend and remember the stories they process and serve as excellent models of narrative. (ARH)

Offers perspectives on the environment as an expression of personal and cultural elements. Philosophically develops the concepts of home, place, and story. Also suggests that dimensions of historical interpretation, cultural ecology, and study of the future be included in environmental education programs. (ML)

Explores the surface structure observed in Japanese and English spontaneous oral narratives from the perspective of subject and theme. Although both the Japanese and the English narratives employ participant identification as a major cohesive ingredient, how referring forms are used and how they contribute to discourse organization differ. (SED)

Focuses on the narrative function to show how children can build on another speaker's turns in conversation and can build on their own utterances as they speak. Analyzes children's dialogs and narratives to highlight the primacy of the oral language arts as they are enacted in daily conversation and play. (HTH)

Based on the sources, this reconstruction of a conversation that might have been will give students a valuable insight into the causes of the American Revolution. Included are a student study guide and a suggested quiz. (Author)

Focuses on American Indian and Afro-American oral tradition to explore the substance and potential pedagogic value of American oral literature. Stresses the literary value of modern folk literature, including popular songs and rhetoric. (Author/JB)