writing process level 10

1. Dictogloss Dictogloss can also be used in class to help teens improve the quality of their writing as it encourages them to focus on communicating key ideas clearly and accurately. The teacher dictates a text and the learners write down key words and information as they listen (not every word!). Then, in groups, they reconstruct the text so that the meaning is the same as the original text. Guys, if you want to know more about it, here is the link: Dictogloss

2. Speedwriting Speedwriting helps learners jot down all the ideas and information they have about a subject. They write continuously about a certain topic for three minutes. The aim is to get ideas down on paper, rather than worrying about the accuracy of their writing. After three minutes, learners stop writing, read what they have written and summarise it in one sentence. This helps them think about how to write topic sentences. A topic sentence is the first sentence in a paragraph that introduces the main idea of that paragraph.

3. Roleplay Before starting a piece of writing such as an opinion essay or a ‘For and against’ essay, it can be useful for learners to argue different points of view about the topic. Learners work in two groups (a ‘for’ group and an ‘against’ group) and come up with a list of reasons for or against a particular topic in their respective groups. Then, in pairs, they talk to someone from the other group and try and convince them of their opinions. In this case, they may be putting forward opinions they don’t necessarily share, but this will help them think of both sides of the argument and produce a more balanced piece of writing.

4. Having something to say. I have noticed that students of these levels find it more attractive when they have to write something to another classmate. For example, a letter or a comment o something. I learnt this technique form Lina Barrera. She has students write letters to each other. When it comes to getting our teens writing, that means helping them to think of ideas and shape these ideas into a plan before they begin writing. Here are a few activities to help your learners come up with ideas before they write.