June 10, 2005

Writing by the Book

To the Editor:

I must respectfully disagree with the criticism leveled by the National Council of Teachers of English toward the new SAT writing requirement ("English Teachers Blast SAT Writing Test," The Chronicle, May 13). While critical thinking is an important part of one's intellectual training, it is unfair to criticize the SAT for stressing formula over critical thinking.

Writing is formula. It is a craft like any other, and any competent writer will tell you so. There