UNIT 6 WRITING

Writing is a productive skill. It involves producing the language and conveying a message but in a written way. Moreover, there are different text types such as postcards, emails, diaries, essays, etc. All of them contain distinct levels of formality, layouts and structure. For example, when we write a letter to a boss we use complex grammar and a formal register. Furthermore, writing has two subskills which are accuracy and communicating our ideas. First, accuracy involves the correct use of grammar, vocabulary, punctuation, spelling, etc. On the other hand, communicating our ideas  includes employing proper style and register, good organization of ideas in order to convey meaning. Moreover, when writing something we have to take into account the different writing stages that according to Luke (2011) are essential in order to produce an effective work. They are: planning (get ideas), drafting (first draft) , redrafting (move or add something) and editing (check and improve content).

Finally, to teach this unit to my students I will use the process writing approach that according to Ambon &Palomares (2010) it  is a procedure to formulate and develop ideas in writing and involves the writing stages. Thus I would make my students choose a topic and plan ideas (planning). Then, I would make their first draft (drafting) and improve it (redrafting), correct the content (editing) and finally evaluate their work (assessment).  Additionally, something else to this unit to my students would be to apply some activities in order to help learners develop accuracy such as labeling, copying, gap-filling, correct errors in texts, etc.

Additional information to teach writing:

References:

Luke, A. (2011). The Four Essential Stages of Writing. (2011). Aliventures. Retrieved 17 April 2017, from http://www.aliventures.com/essential-writing-stages/

Palomares,. (2010). The Process Approach to Writing. Es.slideshare.net. Retrieved 17 April 2017, from https://es.slideshare.net/maspalomares81/the-process-approach-to-writing

TEFL Class Instruction: How to Teach Writing Skills in the ESL Classroom. (2011). YouTube. Retrieved 22 April 2017, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbZUKAamXDU