Describes a writing assignment that uses the song "America the Beautiful" to point the following six reasons why America is beautiful: skies, mountains, grain, Pilgrims, heroes, and dreams. (NKA)

The article describes use of dialogue journals (in which teacher and student communicate privately in writing) to improve the writing of learning disabled students. Dialogue journals provide a means for students to use reading and writing in meaningful, purposeful ways. (DB)

To help students write more effectively, a technique for writing from thesis statements is described that requires students to create a picture of a wheel. The hub is a word that is the essence of the topic; the spokes are concrete examples; and the tire is the thesis statement. (MLW)

Steps in the development and publication of a yearbook by a day school for preschool and elementary age hearing impaired children are described: generating the idea, collecting material, obtaining parental permission, preparing and compiling manuscripts, and determining printer, price, and distribution. Guidelines for a first effort at yearbook…

The article describes typical kinds of writing problems found in fourth grade learning disabled students and discusses ways in which the computer makes the child's planning and composing problems more accessible to teacher help. Similarly, pitfalls of such accessibility are also cited. (CL)

Explains the use of templates in teaching developmental writing students about the physical structure of the traditional expository paragraph. The template approach offers a space corresponding to a 150-word paragraph with structural suggestions in the margins (e.g., Do you have a strong opening sentence? Do you need a transition?). (DMM)

This position paper from the Conference on College Composition and Communication offers guidelines for faculty embarking on careers in the field of composition and rhetoric. The paper addresses the following: terms of employment; conditions of employment; issues of reappointment, promotion, and permanent status; and issues of professionalism and…

This series of issues of a newsletter called "The Dangling Modifier" begins with Volume 1, Number 1 (Fall 1994) and concludes with Volume 9, Number 2 (2003). The newsletter is subtitled "A National Newsletter by and for Peer Tutors in Writing" for the majority of the issues--the last issue changes the subtitle to "An…

This document includes a booklet and a presentation guide. The booklet contains the anchor papers used to score the 2001 Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) in writing, grade 10. Anchor papers are concrete examples that illustrate the intent of the scoring guides. The papers in the booklet exemplify the full range of score points…

Argues that when students interrupt their thought flow during composition writing to edit language, syntax, or mechanics, the pauses obstruct fluency and dilute concentration. Use of the word processor for invisible composition is described to show how computers reduce time spent on composing and alter quantity and quality of time. (MBR)

Describes sample essay topics from an introductory course in philosophy that can be used to engage students in values analysis, values consciousness, and values criticism. (AEA)

Outlines a revision checklist for student use in analyzing purpose, audience, form, and expression; summarizes classroom procedures for individuals, small groups, or whole classes to use in revision and proofreading exercises. (AEA)

Suggests a method of teaching reading that combines directed commentary and personal, journal-type writing as the students read. (JL)

Discusses the writing process as it is represented in recent research and practice, with emphasis on (1) rhetorical concerns; (2) the arts of invention, style, and arrangement; and (3) efforts to expand writing instruction beyond traditional courses and disciplines. Recognizes a shift that characterizes writing as rhetorical problem solving.…

Describes a unit of instruction that involves the rhetorical situation of an in-class corporation to give students experience in abstract and report writing. (AEA)