This is a short presentation for my ESL writing students. It will be used as part of my introduction to my English Composition class.
Understanding Korean English Writing a guide for ESL composition and English teachers
Six Writing Traits Model
The presentation starts with some research which talks about common writing problems experienced by Korean university students and business people.
My conclusion is that 6 Writing Traits is a good approach to helping ESL students learn English writing because it teaches students to look beyond grammar errors.
ESL Student Writing Exercise
At the end of the presentation, my ESL students will be asked to write one paragraph about a place. They should use the techniques described in 6 Writing Traits. To give them an example, and a starting point for their own critique, I have included a short hotel review I wrote for Lonely Planet a few years ago. The short review is here: hotel review. Or read it below.
Is it a hotel or art gallery? It’s hard to tell the difference because resources were invested to blend both. Although the lobby has a kitsch feel, the mood changes once you climb the stairs and find yourself surrounded by art and a waterfall.This hotel wants to scream out, ‘Congratulations. If you can afford to stay here, you’ve made it’. Tastefully decorated rooms are showered with wood trim and antique-looking fabrics that reinforce the feeling of success. Evidently, money can’t buy everything as the curious placement of chairs sandwiched between the bed and TV gives the doubles a cramped feel. At the lower price levels, guests will probably be more satisfied with the deluxe double or twin in order to get marginally more space and satellite TV service. The only off-putting aspect of this hotel is the carpeting. On some hallways, an attractive Italian paisley carpet suddenly changes into a gaudy bluish fabric with a jellyfish pattern. Hardly a matter of serious concern, but it does scream out, ‘Ouch’.