This paper presents highlights from the 1998 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) writing assessment, which was given to a national sample representative of all students at grades 4, 8, and 12 and to state samples representative of all students at grade 8 in the 40 participating states and jurisdictions. It begins with questions and answers about NAEP and then briefly describes 6 objectives and the purposes for the 3 types of writing assessed. It then presents 9 sample writing tasks and responses (3 at each grade level and at each achievement level--basic, proficient, and advanced). The paper then presents national results (including that 23% of fourth graders, 27% of eighth graders, and 22% of twelfth graders were at or above the proficient level) and data on writing performance by gender, race/ethnicity, and type of school. It next presents data on school and home factors related to writing achievement, and data regarding writing performance within states. It concludes with a six-item list of other publications and related materials. (RS)