Teaching writing in an EFL (English as a Foreign Language) class

 

Teaching writing in an EFL (English as a Foreign Language) class requires a structured, supportive approach that helps students develop both technical skills (grammar, vocabulary, structure) and creative abilities (expression, coherence, and argumentation). Here are strategies to effectively teach writing to EFL students:

1. Set Clear Writing Goals

• Specific objectives: Define the goals of the writing lesson clearly. Whether it’s focusing on grammar, organization, or creative expression, students should understand the purpose of the activity.
• Type of writing: Clarify whether the task involves a specific form of writing (e.g., descriptive, narrative, argumentative, or informative writing).

2. Model Writing and Provide Examples

• Modeling: Show students how to write step-by-step. For example, you can write a paragraph on the board or screen, explaining each part of the process: brainstorming, outlining, drafting, revising, and editing.
• Examples: Provide good examples of writing in the target genre. Analyze the structure, vocabulary, and style of these examples so students can understand the expectations.

3. Pre-Writing Activities

• Brainstorming: Have students brainstorm ideas before starting their writing. This can be done individually, in pairs, or in small groups. Brainstorming helps students organize their thoughts and decide on the content of their writing.
• Mind maps and outlines: Encourage students to use mind maps, graphic organizers, or outlines to structure their ideas. This helps with the organization of ideas, making writing more logical and coherent.
• Vocabulary building: Pre-teach relevant vocabulary and phrases that students will need for their writing task. You can focus on specific vocabulary related to the topic of the writing exercise.

4. Focus on Structure and Organization

• Writing frames: Provide writing frames or templates that outline the structure of the text. For example, a paragraph frame might include:
  • Topic sentence
  • Supporting details
  • Conclusion sentence
• Model structure: Teach students how to structure different types of writing (e.g., the structure of an argumentative essay, descriptive paragraph, or letter). Use examples to demonstrate each part of the structure and how they connect.
• Paragraph writing: Focus on writing clear and concise paragraphs. Emphasize the importance of topic sentences, supporting details, and conclusion sentences. Practice with simple paragraph exercises.

5. Drafting

• Encourage drafting: Students should first focus on getting their ideas down on paper without worrying too much about grammar or spelling. The goal in the drafting phase is to develop ideas, not perfect language.
• Peer feedback: Allow students to work in pairs or small groups to read each other's drafts. Peer feedback can help them refine ideas, improve coherence, and learn from others’ writing.

6. Revising and Editing

• Revising for content: Teach students how to review their writing for content, coherence, and clarity. Are the ideas logically connected? Does the writing address the prompt fully?
• Editing for language: Focus on grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Provide students with checklists or guidelines for self-editing (e.g., "Check for subject-verb agreement" or "Look for capital letters at the start of sentences").
• Teacher feedback: Offer constructive feedback on students' drafts. Focus on both the content (clarity, organization, and argumentation) and language (grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure).

7. Focus on Language Use

• Grammar and syntax: Teach students the necessary grammar structures for writing. For example, for narrative writing, focus on past tense, for persuasive writing, focus on modal verbs for suggestion or necessity (e.g., “should,” “must”).
• Linking words and transitions: Teach students transitional phrases (e.g., "however," "on the other hand," "in conclusion") to improve cohesion and coherence between sentences and paragraphs.
• Vocabulary expansion: Encourage students to use varied vocabulary and avoid repetition. Teach them synonyms and phrases that elevate the quality of their writing.

8. Post-Writing Activities

• Peer review and self-assessment: After revising their drafts, have students exchange papers and give feedback. Alternatively, they can review their own work using a rubric or checklist.
• Sharing work: Allow students to share their final drafts with the class. This can be done through presentations or simply reading aloud. Positive feedback from peers can boost their confidence.
• Reflection: Ask students to reflect on their writing process. What did they learn? What was challenging? This helps them track their progress and identify areas for improvement.

9. Practice Different Writing Styles

• Descriptive writing: Focus on teaching students to write with sensory details and vivid language. Help them use adjectives and adverbs to paint a picture.
• Narrative writing: Teach students how to write stories with a clear plot, characters, setting, and sequence of events. Focus on past tense usage and storytelling techniques.
• Argumentative or persuasive writing: Focus on structuring arguments logically, using evidence to support claims, and developing counterarguments. Teach the use of persuasive language and modal verbs.
• Expository writing: Teach students how to explain or inform about a topic clearly and concisely. This type of writing often includes definitions, examples, and explanations.

10. Provide Regular Writing Practice

• Writing journals: Have students maintain a writing journal where they write regularly on various topics. This allows them to practice writing fluency and express their thoughts in English.
• Short writing tasks: Break down larger writing tasks into smaller, manageable pieces. For example, instead of writing an essay all at once, students can first write an introduction, then focus on each paragraph individually.

11. Incorporate Technology and Resources

• Online writing platforms: Use online tools like Google Docs, which allow for real-time feedback and collaboration. You can also use online grammar checkers (e.g., Grammarly) for self-correction and improvement.
• Interactive websites: Use resources like Padlet, Canva, or other creative platforms to encourage students to write and share their work in a more interactive and fun way.

12. Scaffold Writing Assignments

• Provide support: Start with simpler tasks, such as short paragraphs, before moving on to more complex assignments like essays. Gradually increase the difficulty of writing tasks as students improve.
• Chunking tasks: Break down larger writing tasks into smaller steps, such as outlining, drafting, revising, and editing. This makes the task more manageable and less overwhelming.

Summary of Key Strategies:

• Set clear writing goals and provide structured guidelines.
• Model writing and provide example texts for analysis.
• Use pre-writing activities such as brainstorming and outlining.
• Focus on writing structure with clear, manageable frameworks.
• Encourage drafting first, then provide time for revising and editing.
• Offer feedback on both content and language.
• Teach different writing styles (descriptive, narrative, argumentative).
• Provide regular writing practice through journals or short tasks.
• Incorporate technology for collaborative and interactive writing.

By following these strategies and providing regular practice and feedback, students can improve their writing skills in English and gain confidence in expressing themselves effectively.