Teaching Writing

Asma Al-Sayegh

Why teach writing?

The main reason for teaching

writing is to help students

express their thoughts in

words.

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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

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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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