writing

writing, System of human visual communication using signs or symbols associated by convention with units of language—meanings or sounds—and recorded on materials such as paper, stone, or clay.

Its precursor was pictography. Logography, in which symbols stand for individual words, typically develops from pictography. Logography requires thousands of symbols for all possible words and names. In phonographic systems, the symbol associated with a word also stands for similar- or identical-sounding words. Phonographic systems may evolve to the point where symbols represent syllables, constituting a syllabary. An alphabet provides symbols for all the consonants and vowels.

Articles from Britannica encyclopedias for elementary and high school students.

Writing - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11)

Writing is a way of showing speech, or spoken language, with marks. People can make these marks on stone, paper, or a computer screen. People use writing to communicate with others.

writing - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)

The history and prehistory of writing are as long as the history of civilization itself. Indeed the development of communication by writing was a basic step in the advance of civilization (see Writing, Communication by).

Fact Monster - Cool Stuff - Writing

WritersNet

"Platform for writers, editors, agents, and publishers. Includes submission details and a discussion forum."

Paradigm Online Writing Assistant

Rules of Writing

Guide to correct usage of grammar, style, and punctuation. Provides examples, references, and applications that help to improve writing skills. Includes a glossary of grammatical terms, and links to other resources.

University of Illinois - The Writers’ Workshop

Internet Public Library for Teens

HistoryWorld - History of Writing Materials

HistoryWorld - History of Writing

U. S. Department of Education - Read and Write

Collection of activities in English and Spanish for developing reading and writing skills in children. Includes activity books, guides for teachers, and a directory of literary resources.

The Scriptorium - History of Writing