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Reading the Context [microform] / Ann Schlumberger and Kate Mangelsdorf
Bib ID 5502071
Format MicroformMicroform, BookBook
Author
Schlumberger, Ann
 
Description [Washington, D.C.] : Distributed by ERIC Clearinghouse, 1989. 
23 p. 
Summary

A study investigated whether exposure to contrastive rhetoric would deepen international students' awareness of first- and second-language conventions characterizing their own and other students' writing. Participants included 46 University of Arizona students who represented a variety of language backgrounds and were enrolled in four sections of English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) freshman composition. One week of class time was devoted to a presentation on contrastive rhetoric, and writing samples were collected from each student. From the samples, aspects of the writers' purpose, message, tone, and audience were analyzed. The features noted were then charted and discussed in class. Finally, the students' reactions to the contrastive rhetoric lesson and chart were expressed in freewriting exercises. No evidence emerged that consciousness of first-language rhetorical conventions makes adoption of second-language discourse patterns easier. However, it was concluded that awareness of context, enhanced by knowledge of linguistic and rhetorical forms, is a valid objective in ESL writing instruction. (MSE)

Notes

ERIC Note: Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (23rd, San Antonio, TX, March 7-11, 1989).

Reproduction Microfiche. [Washington D.C.]: ERIC Clearinghouse microfiches : positive. 
Subjects College Freshmen.  |  Comparative Analysis.  |  Cultural Influences.  |  Discourse Analysis.  |  English (Second Language)  |  Foreign Students.  |  Freshman Composition.  |  Higher Education.  |  Language Styles.  |  Reading Strategies.  |  Second Language Instruction.  |  Rhetorical Sensitivity - University of Arizona
Form/genre Reports, Research.  |  Speeches/Meeting Papers.
Other authors/contributors Mangelsdorf, Kate, author
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    Members of Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Maori communities are advised that this catalogue contains names and images of deceased people. All users of the catalogue should also be aware that certain words, terms or descriptions may be culturally sensitive and may be considered inappropriate today, but may have reflected the author's/creator's attitude or that of the period in which they were written.