teaching writing

Simple & Effective ESL Writing Activity: Teach List Poems

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teach list poems

If you want an ESL creative writing activity that builds confidence, encourages original ideas, and works in almost any classroom setting, then you should teach list poems. This simple poetry format gives students room to experiment while still offering structure. It’s a perfect balance for an ESL writing lesson. Even better, it naturally supports creative ESL prompts, ESL writing practice, and flexible levels of scaffolding for high-beginner to advanced learners.

This article walks you through why list poems work so well, how to teach the activity step by step, and optional extensions for learners who need more challenge or repetition.

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Quick ESL Writing Lesson: Using THE

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This is a quick writing lesson that helps ESL students learn how to use the definite article in their writing.

First, here are five troublesome areas of writing where ESL students have some trouble using THE properly. These five areas come from the Bedford handbook.

WHEN TO USE THE IN WRITING

PART A Some simple rules.

1.  The noun was already mentioned in a previous sentence.

She is a carrying a bag. The bag is yellow.

2.  The clause that comes after the noun restricts the noun’s identity.

Please pass me the book on the TV.

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Teacher Training: Paraphrase Writing Class Outline

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Clear Writing with Paraphrased Sources

The purpose of this writing session is to improve your English writing skills by learning how to paraphrase authoritative sources that support an argument.

By the end of this session, students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate an ability to use 6-8 paraphrasing techniques.
  2. Accurately paraphrase small passages.
  3. Seamlessly integrate sources into a short (say 1 to 3 paragraphs) piece of writing.

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