The second in a series of articles on abbreviations, such as UNESCO or SNCC. Topics treated are: formation, pronunciation and capitalization; special characteristics of the formation of abbreviations; abbreviations specially made for a purpose, such as advertising; and those which show a bit of humor. (Text is in French.) (AMH)

Considers the conventions of quotation marks--or "perverted commas"--and identifies seven uses, including shudder quotes (slang or inappropriate words) and scare quotes (used for attention or emphasis). Notes that quotation marks influence meaning and that finding a personal voice entails using language without quotes. (MM)

Illustrates some of the problems and the advantages of three programs designed for language arts instruction: "English Volume I" (MECC), "English SAT 1" (Microlab), and "Vocabulary Prompter" (Jagdstaffel). (AEA)

Reviews four computer programs that check grammar, punctuation, and spelling; discusses their applicability in the business writing process. (AEA)

Discusses the use of the comma in Spanish and gives examples of its use in Spanish literature. (NCR)

Demonstrates the role of punctuation in relation to the syntax, communicative value, and semantics of the French sentence. (AM)

Discusses the uses of the comma in Spanish and shows a poem that can be interpreted in different ways with different punctuation. (NCR)

Describes two ways to combat "bad tone" and "unclear thinking" in writing. Describes "breaking the ice" as being aware of a written message's appearance--the message's readability. Explains that "fog-lifting" is accomplished by writing clearly, and by paying particular attention to the verb "to…

This article presents several punctuation activities that help students practice dialogue-writing skills. Teachers can help their students become intrepid reporters by providing them with story ideas or by inviting them to develop their own "scoops." In addition, comic strips can also be used for dialogue-writing practice.

Whether you are returning to studying after a break, or need help adjusting your writing skills to meet the needs of your education course, this practical, down-to-earth guide will help you improve your literacy skills. Aimed specifically at students in education courses, this book uses examples of students' work to highlight common problems, and…

This comprehensive and innovative style manual has been designed to be clear and jargon-free, to serve as an alternative to the often confusing style manuals of years gone by. The manual is intended for use by students, professionals, and writers at any level. The manual, created by an expert in linguistics and lexicography, provides: (1) an A to…

Missing apostrophes, misplaced apostrophes, and unnecessary apostrophes are all common occurrences in many forms of written American English. The fact is there is no adequate explanation--in traditional grammar or in any other grammar--that accounts for all the functions and transformations that grammarians have crowded under the heading of the…

This new edition, intended to help the student achieve a simple and clear writing style, contains new material--chapters on the research paper and on the resume and application letter, an appendix on parts of speech, and a number of revision-practice sentences. The three sections of the book deal with preparations for writing, explanations and…

Characters in this short play, designed to interest students in learning about punctuation, are punctuation marks. (MKM)

It is proposed that speech rhythm, adapted to needs of written language, should constitute the basis of sound punctuation. It is the failure to recognize this principle that has led some writers to recommend a punctuation system that is mechanical rather than natural and meaningful. (CHK)