Écrire, orthographier et rédiger des textes

The predictions made by the capacity theory of writing are stated, in particular with reference to the balance between the components mobilized during the management of written verbal production. Two illustrations are presented, one relating to graphical transcription and the other to spelling. A review of earlier studies demonstrates that the available data confirm the predictions of the capacity theory. An experiment is then reported relating to the effect of the level of graphical control attained by children in 3rd grade on their dictation performance. The results suggest that the components involved in written verbal production should be the focus of more precise descriptions, which will make it possible to determine which of these may be affected by an increase or reduction in the cost of the other components and the form of this effect.