Welcome to Jenn's ESL Writing Workshop

Writing in a second language can be a difficult task.

Here we will explore some ways to make writing easier. The student will have an opportunity to increase their writing fluency through the process approach. For more information about the Process Approach to ESL writing, please see below

Please select one of the following:

Course Description	Level 1	Level 2	Level 3
Sample Activites By Level	Level 1	Level 2	Level 3

Sample Class Activities For All Levels

The Process Approach to Writing

5 Techniques for Improving Your Writing Skills:
Even in a second language, writing is a "PROCESS "

When you begin to write something important for school or work in your first language, you probably do not simply sit down and expect all of the ideas to flow. Instead, you go through a process. English writing can be made easier if you follow the same steps as you would follow when you write in your first language.

This writing method may seem slow at first, but the benefits will soon be clear. With a little practice, organization and clear expression will become much easier.

The Process Approach Means:

Collect Information
Organize
Draft
Review
Edit
Draft Again

COLLECT INFORMATION

Collecting information is often one of the most difficult stages when writing in your second language.

A second language writer may feel uncomfortable about starting a writing project. They may feel as if they do not know enough grammar or vocabulary. They stare at an empty page with nothing to write. A writer such as this must be taught how to collect ideas from readings, and / or lectures. They must also be taught how to think of some ideas on their own. All 5 levels of Writing Workshop teach several research techniques, and idea generating skills.

ORGANIZE THE INFORMTION

Now that you have your information, you must organize it.
Divide the information into main ideas.
Divide the remaining information into related details.
Organize the introduction, and create a thesis statement which clearly outlines all of your main ideas.
Now organize each body paragragh. Each one needs a topic sentence.
Now you are ready to finally begin writing

DRAFT Now it is time to begin writing!

In the first draft, a second language writer must remember not to think about their grammar errors. A writer who is concerned about editing before they begin to write, may develop a block. Professional writers call this writer's block. Concentrate on getting the information on paper by following the plan made during the organization stage . A good second language writer knows that there is plenty of time to correct grammar later! This is only a first draft, it is supposed to be messy and full of errors.

REVIEW

This stage means to review the infomation not the grammar yet!

Here, the writer must step away from the work, and try to look at it as if they were a reader. You must question the organization, and make some changes. Stop thinking about grammar! The selection and organization of the infomation are the hardest parts about clear writing!

EDIT

Now check the grammar!

Are you happy with the information? Is it organized? Is it the appropriate information? Is there enough? GOOD! Now you have all the time to panic about whether your grammar is perfect. Grammar is an important part of every level of Writing Workshop, but it is not the first priority. Think of it this way. When you finish writing something important and you are worried that there may be some grammar errors, can you have a friend help you fix the errors? Probably. However, can a friend help you solve your organizational problems? Can they help you decide what you want to say with your writing? Probably not. Therefore, a student writer must practice their organization and revisions as much as their grammar.

DRAFT AGAIN

The process of writing ends when your deadline arrives!

Many professional writers never really feel as if their work is ever finished. They continuse to go through the above processes over and over until they have reached their deadline. Student writers, on the other hand, are often thrilled when they finsh an assignment. As a student writier, please remember to make at least ONE second draft. Yes, rereading and rewriting are very important parts of the writing Process.