TTC - Session 6: Teaching Writing Skills
Overview
This session focuses on developing writing skills in ESL learners. We will explore the core elements of
teaching writing, effective strategies, classroom management during writing tasks, and practical activities
designed to enhance writing proficiency and confidence.
Table of Contents
TTC - Session 5: Teaching Writing Skills ......................................................................................................... 1
Table of Contents........................................................................................................................................ 1
1. Importance of Teaching Writing................................................................................................................ 2
2. Core Writing Skills ................................................................................................................................... 2
Summary Table: Core Writing Skills ........................................................................................................... 2
3. Strategies for Teaching Writing ................................................................................................................. 3
Summary Table: Strategies for Teaching Writing ........................................................................................ 3
4. Classroom Management in Writing Activities ............................................................................................. 3
5. Implementing Writing Activities: Real-Life Classroom Examples .................................................................. 4
Beginner Level ........................................................................................................................................ 4
Intermediate Level .................................................................................................................................. 4
Advanced Level ....................................................................................................................................... 4
6. Assessing Writing Skills ............................................................................................................................ 4
Formative Assessments............................................................................................................................ 4
Summative Assessments .......................................................................................................................... 4
Self-Assessment ...................................................................................................................................... 4
7. Suggestions for Teachers .......................................................................................................................... 5
TTC – Session 6 |Teaching Language Skills: Writing Instagram | @lingoarman
1. Importance of Teaching Writing
Teaching writing is crucial for ESL learners to:
• Communicate Ideas Effectively: Express thoughts, opinions, and information clearly in written
form.
• Develop Critical Thinking: Organize ideas logically and present arguments coherently.
• Enhance Language Skills: Reinforce grammar, vocabulary, and syntax through practice.
• Participate Academically and Professionally: Meet the demands of academic assignments and
workplace communication.
2. Core Writing Skills
Summary Table: Core Writing Skills
Writing Skill Focus
Content Development Generating ideas and elaborating on them effectively.
Organization Structuring writing logically with clear introductions, bodies, and conclusions.
Vocabulary Use Employing appropriate and varied vocabulary.
Grammar and Mechanics Using correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
Cohesion and Coherence Linking ideas smoothly with transitional words and phrases.
Explanation:
• Content Development: Ability to generate relevant ideas and expand on them.
o Activity: Brainstorming sessions where students generate ideas on a topic before writing.
• Organization: Structuring the text in a logical sequence.
o Activity: Teaching students how to create outlines with main points and supporting details.
• Vocabulary Use: Selecting precise words to convey meaning effectively.
o Activity: Vocabulary building exercises focused on synonyms, antonyms, and context usage.
• Grammar and Mechanics: Applying grammar rules and correct punctuation.
o Activity: Grammar workshops targeting common errors in student writing.
• Cohesion and Coherence: Ensuring the text flows smoothly.
o Activity: Exercises on using linking words (e.g., however, therefore, moreover).
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TTC – Session 6 |Teaching Language Skills: Writing Instagram | @lingoarman
3. Strategies for Teaching Writing
Summary Table: Strategies for Teaching Writing
Stage Strategy
Pre-Writing Activating prior knowledge, brainstorming, and planning.
Drafting Encouraging free writing without worrying about errors.
Revising Reviewing and improving content and organization.
Editing Correcting grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.
Publishing Sharing the final piece with others for feedback or celebration.
Explanation:
• Pre-Writing: Preparation stage to gather ideas.
o Activity: Mind mapping on a given topic to explore different angles.
• Drafting: Writing the first version of the text.
o Activity: Timed free-writing exercises to encourage idea flow.
• Revising: Making changes to improve the draft.
o Activity: Peer-review sessions where students provide feedback on each other's work.
• Editing: Focusing on language accuracy.
o Activity: Editing checklists to self-correct common mistakes.
• Publishing: Finalizing and sharing the work.
o Activity: Creating a class magazine or blog to showcase student writings.
4. Classroom Management in Writing Activities
• Providing Clear Instructions: Ensure students understand the writing task and its objectives.
• Supporting Diverse Learners:
o Differentiation: Offer varying levels of support (e.g., graphic organizers for those who need
them).
• Creating a Positive Environment:
o Encouragement: Praise efforts and progress to build confidence.
• Time Management:
o Allocating Time for Each Stage: Balance time between planning, writing, revising, and
editing.
• Facilitating Collaboration:
o Group Work: Encourage collaboration through peer reviews and group writing projects.
Reflection Prompt: How can you adapt writing tasks to cater to students with varying proficiency levels in
your classroom?
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TTC – Session 6 |Teaching Language Skills: Writing Instagram | @lingoarman
5. Implementing Writing Activities: Real-Life Classroom Examples
Beginner Level
• Activity: Sentence Construction
o Description: Provide students with jumbled words to form correct sentences.
o Objective: Practice basic sentence structure and grammar.
Intermediate Level
• Activity: Paragraph Writing
o Description: Students write a paragraph describing their favorite place, focusing on
organization and vocabulary use.
o Objective: Develop content and organizational skills.
Advanced Level
• Activity: Essay Writing
o Description: Assign persuasive essays on current issues, requiring students to present
arguments and counterarguments.
o Objective: Enhance critical thinking, coherence, and advanced language use.
6. Assessing Writing Skills
Formative Assessments
• Observation: Monitor students during writing tasks to provide immediate feedback.
• Writing Journals: Regular entries to track progress over time.
Summative Assessments
• Written Exams: Timed essays evaluating overall writing proficiency.
• Portfolios: Collection of student work showcasing development.
Self-Assessment
• Reflection Sheets: Students assess their own writing using provided criteria.
• Goal Setting: Identify areas for improvement and set actionable goals.
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TTC – Session 6 |Teaching Language Skills: Writing Instagram | @lingoarman
7. Suggestions for Teachers
• Integrate Writing Across Subjects: Encourage writing in different contexts to reinforce skills.
• Provide Models and Examples: Share high-quality writing samples.
• Teach Writing as a Process: Emphasize the importance of each stage.
• Offer Constructive Feedback: Focus on specific strengths and areas for improvement.
• Encourage Reading: Promote extensive reading to expose students to various writing styles.
• Use Technology: Incorporate word processors and online tools for writing and editing.
Conclusion
Teaching writing is a multifaceted process that equips ESL learners with essential communication skills. By
understanding core writing skills, implementing effective strategies, and fostering a supportive classroom
environment, teachers can enhance their students' ability to express themselves confidently and
competently in writing.
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