The case method seems particularly useful in helping college students to overcome anxiety about writing and even in persuading them that writing is a "real-world" skill that they can master just as they would any other skill. It has the further advantages of integrating reading and writing and of allowing students to develop and use problem-solving skills. Teachers also benefit from using the case method because having everyone write on the same topic allows them to plan prewriting exercises useful to all class members. Two kinds of cases can be used: the closed case, in which all the information is supplied; and the open case, in which students gather information themselves, either through group discussion and direct observation, or from newspapers and other library sources. With either kind of case, students have to react to a business problem or situation in writing. (The example of an open case method is used in the paper to illustrate the seven steps that constitute student prewriting activities when preparing a report.) (RL)