ABSTRACT In many states, writing is tested only in selected grades causing writing instruction often to be over-emphasized some years and neglected in others. The present study examines how students’ motivation for writing differs during the middle school years. We administered the Self-Beliefs, Writing Beliefs, and Attitude Survey (SWAS) to a cross-sectional sample of students at two middle schools shortly after the 7th graders completed a high-stakes writing exam. Results indicate that 6th and 8th graders had higher average scores of writing motivation compared to their 7th-grade peers, with 6th graders possessing higher average levels of attitude toward writing and beliefs about writing compared to 8th graders. The varying pressure and absence of writing may be influencing students’ motivation to write and views of writing.

中文翻译：

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写作动机与中学：考察学生写作动机的变化

摘要在许多州，写作只在选定的年级进行测试，导致写作教学在某些年份经常被过分强调而在其他年份被忽视。本研究调查了学生在中学阶段写作动机的不同。在七年级学生完成高风险写作考试后不久，我们对两所中学的学生横断面样本进行了自我信念、写作信念和态度调查 (SWAS)。结果表明，与 7 年级同龄人相比，6 年级和 8 年级学生的写作动机平均得分更高，与 8 年级学生相比，6 年级学生对写作的平均态度和写作信念水平更高。不同的压力和缺乏写作可能会影响学生的写作动机和写作观点。