Argues for the use of case studies in writing instruction and presents a sample case study designed for either technical writing or business communication courses. (AEA)

Recommends assigning students to complete a library resources investigation to help them choose a writing assignment topic. (HTH)

Describes the library component of a summer session for entering minority freshmen. The exercise includes searching for and summarizing reviews of a reading assignment. A bibliography of book review sources is included. (HTH)

Describes reviewing the basics of descriptive writing by having students compare the images described in E. B. White's "Once More to the Lake," with those in the film "On Golden Pond." Students then write a descriptive paragraph, from an internal or external perspective, about a magazine advertisement chosen for its sensory appeal. (HTH)

Discusses the differences between inauthentic and authentic writing, arguing that most writing in school is inauthentic, because it is written for someone else's intentions. Examples are cited from a classroom with an essentially whole language orientation, but which occasionally reverts to inauthentic writing assignments. (HTH)

Describes a technique, based on story grammar research, that merges the reading of a basal story with a writing lesson. (FL)

Presented completely in Spanish and intended for elementary level students, this book offers 12 writing ideas and several suggestions on how students can make a book using their writing. Each writing idea is presented with a brief description (addressed to the student), several examples of student writing, and a blank page on which to write.…

Focusing on satisfying the theatrical feature film audience, this book provides writers with the tools necessary to successfully create and market a screenplay. It includes "scribble exercises" every few pages--specific activities and questions to stir readers' reactions. Chapters in the book are: (1) Drama Is Conflict; (2) Satisfying…

This book describes "Writing Pictures," a daily developmental writing exercise in which students visualize a moment in their life of their own choosing, sketch it quickly, and write four guided sentences in paragraph format about it. Beginning with level one, it takes students through the basic format, and, with time, students progress upward…

Discusses handwriting drills, student reluctance to rewrite or recopy, and practical writing activities. (GB)

Suggests pre-poetry writing exercises can introduce poetry writing as fun rather than frustrating. (RB)

The article discusses and describes a program for English teachers that will enable them to give more interesting and creative assignments to their students. (Author/LF)