For many ESL/ EFL learners, the writing skill can be the most difficult skill to master. This doesn't mean that they shouldn't be challenged to write, but teachers should consider their students' needs and levels and adjust their teaching accordingly.
Try out the following ideas for your writing lessons.
Types of Tasks
* Copying text word for word
* Writing what you dictate
* Imitating a model
* Filling in blanks in sentences or paragraphs
* Taking a paragraph and transforming certain language, for example changing all verbs and time references to past tense
* Summarizing a story text, video, or listening clip (you can guide with questions or keywords)
* Making lists of items, ideas, reasons, etc. (words or sentences depending on level)
* Writing what your students want to learn in English and why
* Writing letters (complaint, friend, advice) - give blank post cards or note cards or stationery to add interest; you can also use this to teach how to address an envelope
* Organizing information, for example making a grid of survey results or writing directions to a location using a map
* Reacting to a text, object, picture, etc. - can be a word or whole written piece
* Writing what you dictate
* Imitating a model
* Filling in blanks in sentences or paragraphs
* Taking a paragraph and transforming certain language, for example changing all verbs and time references to past tense
* Summarizing a story text, video, or listening clip (you can guide with questions or keywords)
* Making lists of items, ideas, reasons, etc. (words or sentences depending on level)
* Writing what your students want to learn in English and why
* Writing letters (complaint, friend, advice) - give blank post cards or note cards or stationery to add interest; you can also use this to teach how to address an envelope
* Organizing information, for example making a grid of survey results or writing directions to a location using a map
* Reacting to a text, object, picture, etc. - can be a word or whole written piece
