Research: Quality of Writing and Mode of Discourse

Research: Quality of Writing and Mode of discourse

Question: Are college writers of different ability (basic, average, and honors) affected by mode of writing (descriptive, narrative and persuasive)?

Answer/Quote: “…we found that writing ability differentially affected…engagement across modes. For example, honors writers were least engaged when writing descriptive essays but were most engaged when writing persuasive essays; whereas average writers were most engaged when writing descriptive essays, but were least engaged when writing narrative essays. Analytic quality scores and engagement were related….”

Comment: Possibly honors writers were used to the challenge of writing persuasive essays. However, I don’t understand average writers preferring descriptive to narrative essays.

Writing is almost always uncomfortable. Students need to adapt to unfamiliar formats. The use of models helps.  RayS.

Title: “The Effects of Writing Ability and Mode of Discourse on Cognitive Capacity Engagement.” WM Reed, TK Burton and PP Kelly. Research in the Teaching of English (October 1985), 283-297.