Topic: Visualizing as Pre-writing

10-second review: The author suggests that students learn to visualize what they will write before putting pen to paper or fingers to keyboard.

Title: “Pre-Text and Composing.” S P Witte. College Composition and Communication (December 1987), 397-425. A publication of the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE).

Comment: I have read about authors who have practically memorized what they are going to write in their minds before writing. This idea is one that might work for some people, might not work for others, should probably be taught as one way to prepare for writing, but not the method for preparation to write. Personally, I find that brainstorming works comfortably for me.

I think the real usefulness of this article is that students can help themselves to write by thinking about and reflecting on what they plan to write in their minds before writing. RayS.

This blog, English Education Archives, reviews articles of contemporary interest from past English education journals.