Home › Forums › General discussion on teaching English › Teaching Writing
      TeachingEnglish
      Teaching Writing
      Submitted by Control902 on 19 April, 2009 - 18:08

      Hi everyone

      I am a teacher at a high school in an Arab country. I face difficulities in teaching students how to write a lettter in English. Can any one guide me what to do with them?

      Thanks

      ‹ how to teach phonetics? Non-caucasian teachers with (near-)native competence: expectations of employers, students; employment and potential issues? ›

      Tag
      tonib's picture
      tonib
      Teaching writing
      Submitted on 20 April, 2009 - 15:25

      Hi there,

      I've found that asking students to write about a general, open-ended topic like "describe..." or "talk about..." doesn't render a positive response. I prefer to ask specific questions like, "where do live, work, play, cook, eat, etc." Usually, when asked those "wh" questions, who, what, when, etc. the writer is more apt to answer and possibly expound on the question. 

      Also, don't correct their first few writing samples, just let them write. I believe writers in general, but particularly ones writing in a new language, are like traumatized pets. It takes them a while to trust that you're not going to ridicule, laugh or chastise their "art". Asking them to write in very measured and specific doses builds trust and confidence in their abilities. You'll both be rewarded.  Good Luck.

      Toni

      nivedita's picture
      nivedita
      Letter Writing Can Be Fun
      Submitted on 24 April, 2009 - 08:33

      Dear All,

      Writing is the most difficult of all the 4 skills, as it involves a sound hold on the second language.Now, because you mentioned about Arab country definitely your learners are second language users of english & as every second language user they would have their own fear of writing.Here are few tips:

      When it comes to letter writing it can become fun if one intrduces personal letters first & giving the learners topic that are fun to them.May be topics like writing to their favourite rock star or writing to their friend.The basic idea is to excite them.

      Then, call someone from the learners to jot down points on the board, which you discuss with them, don't forget that you shouldn't in the meanwhile force your points on them.

      This would make the class interactive & lively.

      Learners would also forget their apprehension of making mistakes.

      Please, do not focus on grammatical errors at this stage because it might scare them.

      Finally after you have discussed, now tell them to write the letter according to the points discussed & jotted down already on the board.

      This could ward off their fear of writing. Give them sometime to come up with their own piece of draft & please do appreciate their work at the beginning to encourage.

      Lastly, take time in giving feedback & start with the positive ones first.

      Cheers!

      nivedita

      ErinRichie8's picture
      ErinRichie8
      I think nivedita has put you
      Submitted on 4 May, 2009 - 04:41
      I think nivedita has put you on the right track. I wish you all the best in your teaching
      neilballantyne's picture
      neilballantyne
      TE Team
      Hi, Do you have access to
      Submitted on 5 May, 2009 - 08:39

      Hi,

      Do you have access to a computer room?  If so, you might find getting your students to compose their letters on a computer a more realistic and motivating task.

      If they are a low level, it is easy as well to provide a template for them to copy. This could be an example letter which the students use to base their letter around - changing the details so it is their information included.

      This works well as students are exposed to the correct forms and don't have to worry too much about grammatical structures.

      Hope this helps,

      Neil

      British Council, Hong kong