eslwriter

If you want a memorable and meaningful ESL creative writing activity, here’s one that never fails: teaching students how to “show, don’t tell.” This activity pushes learners beyond simple sentences and into expressive, sensory descriptions. Along the way, they gain richer vocabulary, stronger storytelling skills, and more confidence with English. You can use this exercise in an ESL writing lesson, during ESL classroom activities, or as part of ongoing ESL writing practice for intermediate and advanced learners. Students who normally write matter-of-fact sentences suddenly discover how creative language can transform a scene—and how emotions can shape the world of a story.

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Finding fault with the five-paragraph essay (FPE) as an instructional tool in the EFL writing class is easy. The paint by number format has many weaknesses.

Defenders argue there are few viable alternatives that teach organization and persuasion. I’d like to outline one alternative, an approach that meets the academic and professional needs of most EFL students.

Not Without Merit

To be fair, the FPE is an important instructional tool … in specific circumstances. EFL students who want to pass a high-risk test (e.g. ACT) must learn the formula. That usually means an introductory paragraph with a catchy opening and a thesis sentence, three body paragraphs each containing obvious topic sentences, and a regurgitation of the thesis and supporting ideas in a humdrum concluding paragraph.

What’s good about the FPE format?

• Some say it’s a building block for EFL students who need to write 10-page essays while studying abroad. That’s debatable because the FPE does not prepare students for research, citations, or paraphrasing – let alone language development – all vital skills for university-level writing.
• Easy to mark. Graders working for big test companies spend about a minute reading each essay. That’s good for companies who pay humans to score essays. Good for students? Meh.
• Easy to teach. Teachers don’t need to prep much. Finding ways to be efficient is important because writing classes often involve lots of unpaid teacher time.

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