Re: formulaic writing, a different take?, reply

[stacey.selbst@nhmccd.edu]

Denise:

I usually assign a word length requirement in my developmental writing
courses, and I find that students usually exceed it in terms of length
and substance. Although I do think students, as writers, should have
control over their own writing, I do impose a length requirement to
encourage topic development.  Most of my students remark that the length
requirement is "too short," and they submit papers that contain
substantial topic development. 

I do believe that there is some value in setting modest guidelines for
developmental students, and I experience success with it. One of my
students completed Developmental Writing I, and he was able to pass the
writing section of the TASP examination. 

Stacey Moore
Montgomery College
Conroe, TX