Note: The National Council of Teachers of English
was founded in 1911. The organization is celebrating its centennial. As part of
this celebration, College English is publishing excerpts from its
predecessor, the college edition of The English Journal. The excerpts
are timely, a bit wordy and take their time to get to the point. However, I
believe my readers will find them of interest. RayS.
Quote: In order to
help rather than condemn, I have found that it is better to word comments positively, even when the criticism must
be adverse. That is, instead of stating the faults bluntly, show the writer
what virtue he should strive for. To the student a guide-post pointing to
improved thought and expression is far more inviting than the flourish of a
pruning knife. Which of these comments, for example, would you prefer on an
effort of yours: ‘This is clear but rather dull’ or ‘Commendably clear, now aim
at liveliness?’ ” (63-64).
Comment: The idea behind this advice is
worth thinking about. RayS.
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