This article describes work undertaken with a class of Scottish Primary Six children (aged 10) that encouraged them to write humorous stories. It reflects on the impact of different teaching approaches, in particular exploring how teacher-led input combined with opportunities for peer talk might serve to influence children's writing. The aims were…

Argues that it is time to return figurative language to the classroom. Claims teachers should teach writers more figures, regardless of the approach to composition instruction. (MS)

Reviews speech act theory to explain the function of writing transitions in terms of the illocutionary and perlocutionary effect of explicit performatives. Identifies explicit performatives in samples of professional writing in technical and academic areas. Suggest ways to revise textbooks to include the findings from speech act theory. (SR)

By drawing upon numerous real-world experiences with reluctant writers, the author illustrates how tapping their interests can lead to improved writing skills and attitudes toward writing. The critical link between identity and writing is emphasized. Though the experiences in this article are drawn from the author's work with basic writers at the…

Draws on the work of three students to argue for the value of treating writing as a tool for knowledge building. Claims when writing is used in this way, (1) students extend their repertoire of writing strategies, and (2) the effort students put into creating functionally effective texts plays a role in their learning. (NH)

Investigates the feasibility of using sub-headings similar to those found in structured abstracts to facilitate the writing and reading of scientific papers. Claims the use of sub-headings: (1) forces the writer to make sure no issue is forgotten; and (2) enables the reader to search for and find information more easily. (NH)

The areas of reading comprehension theory that provide insights for writers are examined and the way in which a basic knowledge of reading theory provides a backdrop for explicating certain conventions and responding to certain problem area in student writing are explored. With the examples of successful classroom activities, it is shown how a…

This study examines the motivations, attitudes, and goals of a Spanish for native speakers (SNS) class at a large Midwestern university over a semester, using questionnaires, student interviews, classroom observation, and instructor interviews as data sources. It presents results from four students who participated in the data collection, but…

This paper addresses the culture of writing in higher education from a multicultural perspective of those within the "monolith." The paper first notes that writing programs, more specifically writing across the curriculum (WAC), and writing centers work in similar ways by benefiting each other and sharing the broad mission of improving…

Describes and reviews a software package called "Writers Network," a writing program that contains teacher tools to minimize the difficulty in evaluating student writing and gives student tools to improve their writing. Notes that this program fosters enthusiastic interest in writing across the curriculum in teachers who might have not used…

Uses a brief fictional narrative to discuss how visual media frequently offer a superior alternative to prose for the communication of some kinds of information, specifically, to describe; represent abstract structures; convey spatial relationships; provide a meaningful context for unfamiliar information; assist readers in their attempts to solve…

Discusses the case of a parent who enrolled her daughter in an after-school literacy program after being told she was not succeeding in school. Notes the teacher was by turns suspicious of and uninterested in the techniques used in the program. Examines the girl's development as a learner as she worked with her mother on developing weekly grocery…

Discusses general issues related to attitudes towards writing, which may be of interest to those working with English-as-a-second-language students, especially students coming from educational settings where writing is not traditionally taught. Presents the practice of the Writing Center at Central uropean University, one of the few centers in…

Studies the significance of memorandum subject lines (the thematic titles or topic statements of memorandums) through an analysis of 483 memorandums. Describes a taxonomy which classifies a subject line as either neutral (introducing a topic without revealing the writer's intention) or directed (revealing intention). Argues that the taxonomy…

Develops a structured writing effectiveness program across three junior level courses in the accounting major (tax, cost, and financial accounting) to improve the writing skills of accounting students. Provides evidence that the writing across the curriculum project significantly improved the students' writing skills. (SC)