Factors Affecting Regularity of the Flow of Words During Written Composition

the flow of words during written composition is not regular and continuous. The periods of writing are irregular as well as the periods of reflection. Ideas seem to come at varying rates. The aim of this investigation is to obtain a quantitative measure of the rate of flow of words during written expression and to determine what factors affect it. This gen eral aim will be achieved by comparing the rate of flow of words during the writing of each of two compositions by junior high school students with various test scores, rat ings, and personal data. The problem will be considered in four divisions. In the first a study will be made of the factors within the compositions that may affect the rate of the flow of words. Such aspects of the problem as writing on familiar and unfamiliar material, linguistic construc tions, length, and general excellence of com positions will be considered. The second division will treat the relation of academic achievement in the school sub jects involving language skills to the rate of flow of words. Consideration will be given to the pupils' achievement in reading, spelling, and various phases of language. In the third division several personal and environmental factors will be discussed. An