THE SHORT HAPPY LIFE OF MS. MYSTERY

<p>This article describes an experimental summer intensive course in basic writing conducted at Queens College, CUNY by the author, two colleagues, and twenty-eight students. For six weeks, she assumed the identity of "Ms. Mystery," exchanging weekly letters with each of the students, excerpts of which are provided and analyzed. In reflecting on this experience of twenty-eight separate correspondences, the author considers the nature of letter writing (and reading) as an effective pedagogic tool.</p>