During 1967-1968, the English Department at Pennsylvania State University, York Campus, used cartridge tape recorders on a trial basis to grade student themes. Each student in a two-term composition course purchased one tape cartridge which he submitted with each theme. While correcting the theme, the instructor recorded comments on the student's tape. The student could then listen to criticism of his paper as frequently as he wished by using the tape recorders in the library. Most students appreciated the more thorough analysis that this system afforded, although a few objected to the inconvenience of borrowing a library recorder or the inability to refer quickly to a written comment. Most of the composition instructors reacted favorably to the use of the recorder and felt that speaking directly to the student was more satisfactory, and personal, than writing comments on themes. (JM)