Writing effectively in a second language can be one of the most challenging tasks second language learners must undertake and master. English teachers are in a good position to implement the types of supports that can move ELLs toward success in academic writing by providing exposure to and practice with different genres of academic writing,…

An oxymoron is a simple contradiction, a juxtaposition of two inharmonious terms, such as "fiend angelical" in Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet." At first glance, literature and professional writing seem to be polar opposites; however, when one views them together, one can see unique, often interesting possibilities that add…

Authentic discussions about writing are the sorts of conversations that professional or experienced writers might have, where writers explore purpose, effect, clarity, and interpretation. These discussions help students develop "writing skills and strategies because students are able to work at progressively higher levels with the guidance and…

Patricia M. Barbetta and Linda A. Spears-Bunton describe seven technologies and various products that are available to assist struggling students with the complex mechanical and organizational tasks of writing in a secondary English classroom. These technologies can support students in becoming more effective and more confident writers. (Contains…

Shows that, although peer editing groups are effective, they also have their limitations, and advocates instead the use of revision workshops as a practical alternative. Contains a checklist used in a revision workshop. (NKA)

Illustrates the use of the creative writing activity "choose your own ending," in which junior high school students structure a story by writing two responses to major points in a plot. (RL)

Describes and illustrates a writing assignment in which students assume the role and the voice of someone they perceive as different from themselves, requiring attention to appropriate--not necessarily "correct"--language styles. (RL)

Discusses four stages through which writers pass during prewriting. Offers ways of helping students pass through these stages so that they can begin to organize their writing more effectively. (RL)

Explains why reenacting trial scenes from literature should be a useful reading, writing, and speaking activity in English classrooms. (RL)

Shows that the analysis of verbs in short stories is a valuable teaching method for synthesizing studies of grammar and literature. (RL)

Describes research, practice, and resources for giving students writing activities in several rhetorical contexts and to various audiences. (RL)

The ability to question and the desire to be exact can be nourished by students' reading and writing responses to Thoreau's works. (RL)

Describes a creative writing assignment in which individuals write episodes about different characters and small groups collaborate on unifying the collected "chapters" into sagas. (RL)

Presents strategies to increase the flow of writing so that students become more attuned to the usefulness of words in capturing thoughts, feelings, and impressions. (RL)

Presents a potpourri of classroom techniques used by 28 teachers to develop skills in paragraph composition, public speaking, classroom discussion, the examination of specific literary works, and other language arts activities. (RL)