The relation of clear thinking to clear expression is another factor to be considered in teaching composition. Much of the instruction in theme writing is really concerned with training the pupils to think logically and to arrange their thoughts in an orderly manner. Pupils must be taught that as they can give clear expression only to those thoughts that are clear in their own minds, the first process in theme writing is the clarifying and arranging of their ideas. The mental training given by such systematic preparation for theme writing as the making of outlines or other devices for grouping thoughts in a logical plan, is invaluable, since, unlike that given by other studies, it is concerned largely with the pupil’s own thoughts rather than with those acquired from books. The third important element in composition is the style or form of expression. The first aim of teaching composition, whether written or oral, must be to give the pupils sufficient command of simple, idiomatic English for the needs of everyday life. If the average pupil can be taught to express his ideas in clear, correct English, much will have been accomplished by the four years’ training. Those pupils who show natural ability in expression can be encouraged to develop their talent for writing or speaking in connection with class work or with the various outside activities of the school, and may be given considerable assistance in their efforts by the teacher of English. It is much more important, however, to enable the majority of high school pupils to express themselves simply, naturally, and correctly, than to attempt to develop literary style where there is little natural ability. II ORGANIZATION OF ENGLISH WORK 1. Length of Course All high schools provide four years of instruction in English, and most of the schools devote five periods a week to the subject in each year. The course of study outlined in this bulletin, therefore, is arranged on the basis of five periods a week for four years. The successful completion of at least two years’ work in English, one-half of which shall be devoted to composition and rhetoric, and one-half to the study of English classics, is required of all students for graduation from Wisconsin high schools, and for entrance to the University of Wisconsin. The first two years of English are always required of all high school pupils whether they pursue an elective or a prescribed course of study. In some high schools four years’ study of English is required of all pupils, and in most of the Wisconsin high schools the curriculum provides for three years of English in all courses. When the course of study is partly elective, pupils are usually advised to continue with a third and often a fourth year of English after completing the two years of required work. Thus practically all high school pupils pursue the course in English for at least three years.