A microcomputer program features the "Diagnostic Evaluation of Writing Skills" (DEWS), in which 41 criteria are provided representing most common types of errors. An evaluation of DEW'S diagnostic ability revealed its value as a means of selecting students in need of special remediation. (CL)

Describes what students' think a failing paper reveals about their writing ability. (DD)

Learning to write in the preschool years does occur for some children in homes which offer models of writing in natural settings. (JH)

Despite the seemingly endless rules concerning them, commas have only two functions: they either separate or set off. (Author)

Suggests ways of using limericks to teach creative writing. (DD)

Encourages teachers to develop students' abilities to find and explore topics and states that prewriting skills should not be overshadowed by a concern for outlining and paragraph development. (DD)

Proofreading can be tedious and boring, especially if it is approached as correcting errors. But proofreading is not correcting errors so much as reviewing the paper for ideas and for readability. Sometimes classmates can help a student proofread--they can help assess the draft, propose some alternative solutions, and make some choices. This paper…

Although it is a skill that is often ignored, handwriting is an important aspect of education, especially at the elementary school level. Word processors are not always available, and there is frequently a need to write something that others must read. Students should receive instruction in specific handwriting problems, and it is best if learners…

In this article the author, a staff member at APGA headquarters, provides and overview of the production process, with a view to giving P & G'ers an inside look at what happens to a manuscript between the time it's submitted and the time it's published. (Author)

Describes one college teacher's approach to teaching freshmen composition courses. (TO)