English Teaching Methodology: Writing Techniques

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Questions and Answers

What is a simplistic view of writing, according to Brown (2001)?

A simplistic view of writing assumes that written language is simply the graphic representation of spoken language.

What are the purposes of writing, according to Troyka (1987)?

The purposes of writing are to express one's self, to provide information, to persuade, and to create a literary work.

What is writing, according to Grabe and Caplan (1993)?

Writing is a technology, a set of skills that must be practiced and learned through experience.

Why do students often struggle with writing, according to the text?

The skills required for writing do not come naturally, but rather are gained through conscious effort and much practice. Signup and view all the answers

Why is writing a difficult skill for many learners, even in their mother tongue?

Writing has to be learnt, unlike speech, which is acquired in the mother tongue as part of a child's normal development. Signup and view all the answers

What is another difficulty that learners face when it comes to writing, according to the text?

The problem of the absent audience. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between speaking and writing in terms of feedback?

When speaking, we have instant feedback on whether the information is clear and interesting, whereas in writing, we cannot consult with the reader and have to know what information to include. Signup and view all the answers

What is a challenge of writing in the classroom, compared to real-life writing?

In the classroom, the purpose and audience of the writing are often unclear, making it harder to know what to write. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a linguistic difficulty in writing, and how can it be addressed?

One linguistic difficulty is knowing the conventions of particular types of text, such as the format of a business letter. This can be addressed by learning the conventions and adapting to the specific writing genre. Signup and view all the answers

Why is organizing and sequencing ideas a challenge in writing, and how can it be addressed?

Organizing and sequencing ideas is a challenge in writing because it requires a logical and coherent structure. This can be addressed by planning and structuring the text to make it easy for the reader to follow. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between the two descriptions of Lucy, and how does the revised description make it easier for the reader to picture her?

The revised description is more coherent and organized, making it easier for the reader to picture Lucy. It presents overall impressions first, followed by smaller details, and uses linking words to connect the ideas. Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the way of linking ideas together in a text, as demonstrated in the revised description of Lucy?

The term for linking ideas together in a text is cohesion, and it can be achieved using words such as 'and' and 'with'. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

What is Writing?

Writing is not just a graphic representation of spoken language, it's a distinct form of communication.
Writing involves communicating a message to a reader for a purpose, which can be to express oneself, provide information, persuade, or create a literary work.
Writing is a technology that requires practice, instruction, and experience to develop.

Challenges of Writing

Writing is a difficult skill for many learners, even in their mother tongue.
Writing has to be learnt, unlike speech, which is acquired naturally.
Writing is often a rare activity, unlike speaking, which is a familiar everyday activity.
The absent audience makes it difficult to know what to write and how to express it.

Linguistic Difficulties

Writers need to know how to put sentences together accurately.
Choosing the appropriate language for different types of writing is a challenge.
Conventions of particular types of text, such as formal or informal language, need to be considered.

Organizing Ideas

Writing involves organizing and sequencing ideas in a logical way.
Coherent text requires getting the ideas right the first time, without the opportunity for clarification.
Organizing ideas to create a clear picture, such as describing a person, is a key aspect of writing.

Cohesion in Writing

Linking ideas together with cohesive devices, such as conjunctions, makes the text easier to read.
Cohesion helps to create a clear and logical flow of ideas.

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Description

Explore the basics of writing, its purpose, and differences from spoken language. Learn how to express oneself, provide information, persuade, and create literary pieces.