Teachers actively engaged in responding to their students' written narratives should be mindful of the many influences on their students' writing, including the abuses of the language by government bureaucracies and the media. Examples of these abuses are (1) the lack of density and direction or purpose in bureaucratic writing, (2) the disjointed,…

Designed for educators actively involved with the teaching of writing, this report contains an overview of the procedures and a detailed presentation of the findings and recommendations of the 1979 Manitoba (Canada) Writing Assessment program. Following an introduction, the five major sections of the report provide the following information: (1)…

Although the design of the writing task itself may present assessment problems, the scoring of the piece of writing raises the greatest difficulties for large-scale testing of writing ability. A study investigated whether teachers and staff members of the Southwest Regional Laboratory (SWRL) (1) scored the same way, (2) agreed with each other in…

This guidebook was developed by a team of elementary and secondary school English teachers to help teachers of all subjects with the difficult tasks of evaluating students' expository writing and stimulating student growth in the art and craft of writing. The twelve parts of the guidebook deal with the following topics: guidelines for giving a…

Reports analysis of 1,892 essays written by 11 graders in a district-wide writing assessment. Scored for ability to (1) use conventions of standard written English and (2) support an argument, the papers show that 17-year-olds have trouble supporting an argument despite proficiency in mechanics. Argues against teaching superficial correctness. (JG)

Reported on the application of a speech communication instrument called the RHETSEN scale, which sorts subjects' responses by rhetorical sensitivity, noble self, and rhetorical reflector. Subjects were members of the Society for Technical Communication. Found that sex, age, and education level affected response type significantly. (SKC)

Proposing an interdisciplinary approach to writing improvement, Carter presents a plan whereby the social studies teacher becomes an advocate for improving writing in all subjects in the curriculum. Provides a teacher questionnaire, a yearly plan for writing improvement across the curriculum, a writing evaluation instrument, and suggestions for…

Asserts that the position of English in two-year colleges may be reinforced and strengthened through the close study of writing performed by students who have graduated. (RAE)

Argues that writing apprehension can be dispositional, but that it can also arise in response to elements in the writing situation. Discusses the elements in timed writing competence tests that can trigger writing apprehension and hinder effective writing. (JK)

Describes the system a writing teacher developed to keep track of student errors. (ARH)

Presents various teacher-tested instructional techniques: (l) using counselors to aid teachers in basic writing courses, (2) training writing teachers using the process method, (3) teaching proofreading skills (4) using imitation in literature classes (5) using lists and imaginary dialogue to supplement conventional journal writing assignments,…

Describes the process of developing an essay topic for large group scoring. Proposes guidelines for test development committees, and emphasizes the importance of accessibility and reader perspective in the formation of test questions. (MM)

Argues that the best way to encourage writers is to allow that their writing has a real purpose and a real audience. Discusses how unself-conscious response to the purpose of writing is more useful than responses that attend only to technique and form. (SRT)

Offers a test for identifying students with writing apprehension and offers strategies for dealing with these students. (SRT)

Reviews a writing abilities competency test based on samples of essay writing. A copy of the test is appended. (NKA)