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Library | Item Barcode | Call Number | Material Type | Item Category 1 | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Searching... | 30000003239856 | LB1573 L57 1991 | Open Access Book | Book | Searching... |
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Summary
Summary
To meet the demands of the modern world, pupils need to read all types of writing with understanding. If the majority of pupils are to achieve this, they have to become aware of the different ways in which the genres of books they read across the curriculum are written. This book looks at new thinking of linguists and teachers about genre and register which can inform the teaching of reading. It aims to offer a practical way of understanding far more about language and the real possibility of using this knowledge in both primary and secondary school classrooms.
Reviews 1
Choice Review
Because research has shown that reading ability actually decreases as students go through secondary school, Littlefair suggests that teachers at all levels must be aware of the various types of writing and the skills needed to read and understand each type of writing. Her contention is that teaching students to recognize the genre (defined as "; not restricted to literary writings), register (language variety), field (what is spoken or written about), mode (how language is used), and tenor (attitude of the writer toward the subject) of each assignment will prepare students for the real-world reading that adults eventually must do. However, Littlefair's own research documents that teachers reserve reading material with a difficult register for able students, rather than teach all students how to deal with more difficult material. Many of her suggestions come from the types of reading specified in the UK Department of Education and Science's proposal, English for Ages 5 to 16 (1989). This concept of a national-language curriculum should be of interest to US scholars. In fact, this brief work may inspire scholars to seek further information about the research and practice taking place in both England and Australia. B. L. Nourie Illinois State University
