Most people dread sitting down to write, but the job becomes easier when certain writing strategies are followed. Most bad writing results from a lack of planning, not a lack of writing skills. Before determining the main point of a piece of writing, the writer should determine the purpose and audience. First, determine what needs to be achieved…

Based on the Screenwriting 434 graduate-level seminar at the University of California Los Angeles, this book guides readers/students through every step of the screenwriting process by putting them through the actual writing of an original script. Chapters in the book are: (1) Ideas; (2) The Two-Minute Movie; (3) Building Your Characters; (4) The…

Students must learn to maintain authority over their texts as they attempt to deal with the chaos they encounter when they approach a writing task. The authority with which Jacques Derrida deals with chaos in his essay, "...That Dangerous Supplement," suggests some strategies. In his essay, Derrida seems to be able to move the reader…

One way to "reinitiate" possible productive responses to the question of the subject for composition theory and pedagogy is to defuse the terror of the "impossible," to "negotiate" with the impossible, and to ask impossible questions. Although there are dangers associated with any critical theorizing about the subject…

Make writing less of a task and more of an adventure through this creative and imaginative collection of writing prompts, targeted at grade levels 2 to 5. It provides not only ideas and inspiration, but also motivation. This book includes: (1) Story Headers: single pictures with story titles that kids write about; (2) Every Picture Tells a Story:…

Through 77 targeted, high-powered writing activities and detailed directions for guiding the activities, author and master storyteller Kendall Haven provides teachers of grades 3-9 with a complete writing program that ensures student success. These field-tested writing strategies and techniques create a carefully sequenced and balanced approach…

Intended to take the fear out of what looks like a daunting task--writing a life story--this guide helps individuals record the events of their lives for family and friends and adds to a collective history. The guide outlines a method of autobiographical writing that can be used by a class but also by an individual writing alone at home. It…

Studies show that clearly written documents improve compliance and decrease litigation. Writing that considers the readers' need for clear communication will improve the relationship between the government and the public it serves. This handbook contends that the most important goals are to engage the reader, write clearly, and write in a visually…

The views of first-year biology students on an essay writing assignment were evaluated through a questionnaire. Makes a series of recommendations to help students develop improved writing strategies, minimize the possible difficulties encountered, and allow the writing exercise to be an integral part of the learning process. (AIM)

Discusses a process to guide students at various levels of writing ability to inquire into unfamiliar and often intimidating subject areas. Notes the process is based on a Piagetian learning cycle that asks students to identify areas of cognitive dissonance, and to engage in a conversation about ways of resolving their uncertainty. (RS)

Analyzes why conceptual ambiguity surrounds the subject of writing plans: why they are viewed alternatively favorably and unfavorably; why they are sometimes mental and sometimes written constructs; and why they are sometimes indistinguishable from writing goals. Concludes that one problem is the view of writing as product. (SG)

This article discusses methods for teaching students to improve the introductory paragraphs of their papers and essays. The use of specific concrete images, interesting contrasts and facts, and illustrative metaphors to grab the reader's attention is explored, and examples of students' writing and brainstorming processes are provided. (PB)

Presents a nine-assignment sequence that has students engage three interconnected problems of writing and word processing. (SR)

Bilingual students who choose to study their native language in school have unique needs. Once they have been identified and placed in a special class for native speakers, these children must learn to match their familiar verbal language with the less familiar written language. By becoming translators and interpreters for the school, writing for…

Describes metaphor as being alternately an "ornament" or a powerful way of knowing. Focuses on the latter definition, so that teachers may better discover their tacitly held beliefs on writing, learning, and teaching. Offers examples of teachers using metaphor in writing. (PA)