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Teaching ESL students how to write logical arguments supported by warrants is a slow but worthwhile exercise. Once ESL students learn how to write these arguments, their text becomes clear and persuasive.
This mini lesson writing lesson incorporates several skills into one activity. The lesson centres on a murder scene.
Short video clips are great writing prompts. They stimulate imagination, provide context for new vocabulary and nudge students to try and explain complex ideas.
Over the years I have collected a few links to great ideas. Here are five of those videos. I often use these clips in the writing class. They also work well in a conversation class, especially in pair work activities.
1. The Black Hole (2:22)
There’s no dialogue but the moral of the story is easy to understand. Great ending.
THE BLACK HOLE from Philip Sansom on Vimeo.
2. The Gift (4:35)
This artful and unusual sci-fi story will probably leave you wanting a better ending, but that could be the starting point for students to inject their own imagination. Some Russian dialogue with English subtitles.
The Gift from BLR_VFX on Vimeo.
3. Alma (4:54)
There are lots of dolls in this wonderful animation so you know something creepy will happen. Great video with a simple story.
Alma from Rodrigo Blaas on Vimeo.
4. Electropolis (4:30)
No dialogue. Nice animation with a simple story so it is a good choice for low level students. The video seems a little long. Stop the clip at 4:30.
Electropolis from Kevin McCullough on Vimeo.
5. The Moment (2:08)
A very short video with an impressive story. Best suited for advanced students because the dialogue is the story driver.
The Moment from Karis Oh on Vimeo.
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Cut your lesson prep time with this colossal collection of ESL resources that stimulate language learning and critical thinking. Simplify your lesson planning because teaching should be a joy, not a chore.
This is another exercise that helps ESL learn how to write arguments in English. The four part framework for this activity is as follows:
One way to help ESL students learn English writing is to teach them how to write arguments following a simplified version of the Toulmin model. When students learn how to write claims with evidence and warrants, they are able to create clear arguments that sound persuasive.
The ability to construct a clear argument is a skill that can serve students well beyond the writing classroom. It can help them in ESL conversation classes, and in the workplace. For example, writing arguments can be very helpful for students who work in a foreign company and need to communicate with buyers and suppliers.