This paper initially presents the results of several studies concerning the kind of writing assigned by social studies teachers and the kind of writing assigned by social studies textbooks. The second part of this paper describes several things social studies teachers using textbook writing assignments might do to clarify for students what is…

This paper initially presents the results of several studies concerning what kind of writing mathematics teachers assign and what kind of writing mathematics textbooks assign. By far, report-research was the most popular type of writing assigned in the surveyed textbooks. The types of reports students were asked to write include biography,…

This paper discusses an approach to teaching composition using a student-recorded cassette tape. A general outline is given for using the cassette tape in the classroom to help students improve their reading, punctuation, written dialogue, and sentence patterns. Cassette tapes can also help students to avoid stilted and awkward repetition and to…

This paper argues that the distinction commonly drawn in freshman composition texts between fact and opinion is functionally worthless and presents students with a useless dichotomy. It is wrong to stress the difference between fact and opinion because it has led to the assumption that there is a style of writing appropriate to the presentation of…

The articles in this special issue of the "Illinois English Bulletin" concern the state of composition instruction at the secondary and college levels. The titles and authors are "Monologues or Dialogues? A Plea for Literacy" by Dr. Alfred J. Lindsey, "Teaching Composition: Curiouser and Curiouser" by Denny Brandon, and "Teaching Writing to High…

A two-semester course in technical writing, developed at Hinds Junior College, is designed as a practical course which fulfills the junior college English requirements and helps students to develop the language skills they will need in the job market and in technical careers. During the first semester, students are guided in writing process…

This paper documents the results of a series of experiments conducted by the Institute for Defense Analyses on translating technical material from English to Vietnamese. The work was accomplished in support of the Office of the Deputy Director, Research and Engineering, Deputy Director for Southeast Asia Matters. The paper addresses the question…

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.,…

A study of compensatory education programs in written composition was conducted in ten Florida public community colleges during the winter and spring of 1970. A major purpose of the study was to establish a data base from which a model could be developed that might improve the effectiveness of these programs. The existing programs at the colleges…

In an English class and a writing laboratory, dictating machines were used to increase skills of composition and to work out methods for the most advantageous use of the machines. Fifteen students out of a class of 100 used the machines for regular class work; in the laboratory, out of 70 volunteers, 35 were taught by tutors, and 35 were put to…

Based on actual, successful teaching and writing experiences, this book provides practical information on writing for children and teenagers. Part I, "A Practical Guide to Publication," includes discussions of (1) the writer's work habits and writing techniques; (2) characterization; (3) dialogue; (4) creating atmosphere, suspense, and emotion;…

In order to formulate instructional hypotheses and research directions, a profile of seven-year-old children's behavioral patterns associated with the writing process was sought. Eight case study children were chosen from two formal and two informal classrooms in a middle class community. Secondary focus was on gathering data from larger groups in…

The most effective way to help students improve their writing is for one person to carefully read another's manuscript and then comment at length to the author during an interview. Therefore, in a course on technical writing developed for undergraduates at the University of Minnesota, the primary method of instruction is the individual conference…

With the rebirth of rhetoric has come a revival of interest in rhetorical invention. The emphasis on writing as a process initiates a controversy between those rhetoricians who advocate the use of a topical system, which can supply a writer with lines of reasoning for the support of his proposition, and those who advocate the use of the discovery…

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…