teaching writing to efl students
TRANSCRIPT
Teaching Writing
Asma Al-Sayegh
Why teach writing?
The main reason for teaching
writing is to help students
express their thoughts in
words.
Asma Al-Sayegh
EFL Writing Instruction
Copying
Doing exercises
Guided writing
Free writing
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Begin with discussing with them
the objectives of writing.
Let them know that their writing
can speak for them when they are
not there.
To get students into writing
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Show them samples of different
forms of writing.
Tell them that writing is an
organized process.
To get students into writing
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Remember to tell them....
"Good writing does not just
happen. The best writers spend a
great deal of time thinking,
planning, rewriting, and editing."
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The Writing Process
Brainstorming Graphic Organizers First Draft Revising Editing Final Copy
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To help students learn and assess
writing introduce the 6 – traits
writing model.
The Writing Process
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The 6-trait writing model is a way to
assess and teach writing. This
model focuses on 6 qualities seen in
outstanding written works.
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A trait is a feature or characteristic.
Think about a trait of ......
a good kabsa
a good house
a good bookAsma Al-Sayegh
1. Ideas2. Organization3. Voice4. Word choice5. Sentence fluency6. Conventions
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The six traits include:
1.Ideas: The content, or main
theme. Can be looked at as the
heart of the message.
Don’t choose too broad topic. Look for details.
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2. Organization: The internal structure
of the writing.
Good organization helps the reader
understands the writer’s message.
The six traits include:
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3. Voice: The personal voice of
author comes through. This gives
a sense of a real person speaking.
Oral reading helps students hear
voice.
The six traits include:
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4. Word Choice: The use of precise,
colourful and rich words to
communicate.
word choice paints pictures in the reader’s mind.
The six traits include:
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5. Sentence Fluency: The writing flows
together often with a rhythm or tone.
Good writing plays to the ear,
not just the eye.
The six traits include:
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6. Conventions: Mechanical
correctness.
Spelling, punctuation, grammar and usage.
The six traits include:
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1. Begin with..."What's a trait?“
2. Immerse students in the
language of writers.
How to teach the Six Traits
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3. Ask students to keep a writing
folder or journal.
4. Train them to see and hear with
critical eyes and ears.
How to teach the Six Traits
Asma Al-Sayegh
5. Ask students to assess others’
work.
6. Ask students to revise others'
work.
How to teach the Six Traits
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7. Ask students to assess their own
work.
8. Ask students to revise their own
work.
How to teach the Six Traits
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Guidelines for teaching writing
Give students a sample written
work to base their expectations on.
Agree with them on an assessment
criteria that they will be graded on.
Select interesting prompts for
students to write about.
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1 2 3 4
Heading Heading is missing two or
more items.
Heading is missing one item.
Heading has all required items, but is formatted incorrectly.
Heading has all required items and
is formatted correctly.
Neatness Paper is untidy and printing is difficult to read
often.
Paper is untidy or printing is difficult to
read often.
Printing is difficult to read at times.
Printing is clear.
Capitalization Capitalizations are used
incorrectly three or more times.
Capitalizations are used incorrectly two
times.
Capitalizations are used incorrectly one
time.
Capitalizations are used correctly.
Punctuation Punctuation is used incorrectly three or more
times.
Punctuation is used incorrectly two
times.
Punctuation is used incorrectly one time.
Punctuation is used correctly.
Sentence Completion
Sentences are incomplete and do not describe an idea or give
information.
Sentences are incomplete or do not describe an idea or
give information.
Sentences are complete.
Sentences are complete and show
a high level of understanding.
Total:
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I do my best writing when: My paragraph starts with a topic sentence.
I indent my first sentence.
I stay on topic.
I use details to support my topic.
My paragraph has 5-8 complete sentences.
My paragraph has a summary or closing sentence.
I use words that make my meaning clear. I do not use the same words
over and over.
I try to spell words correctly.
I begin each sentence with a capital letter.
I begin each proper name with a capital letter.
I use sentences that end with a period, an exclamation point, or a
question mark.
My print or cursive handwriting is clear enough to read.Asma Al-Sayegh
A selection of interesting prompts
What I really hate! What I really like! My favourite fruit ... The best thing that happened to me .... The worst thing that happened to me .... Something funny happened to me this
week ....
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