Proposes that writing instruction at the intermediate level of second language study should be kept to a minimum. Gives examples of the kinds of brief derivative exercises that are most beneficial. (EKN)

The typical writing feedback situation in a language classroom is examined, followed by a discussion of reformulation as an alternative approach. An example is provided. Issues to be considered as well as benefits of the reformulation approach are described for both classroom and individual settings. (six references) (LB)

It is argued that most foreign language writing assignments are without meaningful content or context for the student, and directions given by the teacher provide little guidance or impetus for personal investment in the project. Several writing exercises emphasizing these aspects of composition, and criteria for evaluation, are offered. (MSE)

A study of the holistic evaluation of writing compared holistic rating and the rating for "conformity to correct prose" technique, a technique based on error counting, of five essays representing five ability levels. The essays were produced in a college English-as-a-Second-Language program. The two scoring methods produced the same ranking of…

Describes some experiments with evaluating pupils' written work and gives teachers a few alternative techniques for correcting students compositions and for dealing with sentence-, paragraph-, and composition-level errors. Provides examples of how these techniques have been used at the secondary school level in Africa. (SED)

Formative evaluation of language learning is recommended, using as an example a coding method for correcting errors and indicating progress made on written assignments. The technique focuses on student self-correction and has the additional advantage of helping the teacher monitor instructional needs. (MSE)

Assessment activities for English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) instruction, contributed by classroom teachers, are organized according to the primary or predominant emphasis of the activity. Those in the first part of the book focus on alternative methods of assessment, including portfolios, journals, logs, and conferences. The second part discusses…

A study compared the influences of rhetorical and sentence-level features on holistic essay scores assigned by raters who are experienced writing instructors but not trained in English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) instruction. In scoring six university-level essays, these raters placed emphasis on ESL sentence-level errors far more than on essays'…

Within in the context of language instruction in Hong Kong, including peer reading and conferences, suggestions are offered for providing effective feedback at the product-evaluation stage in writing; i.e., giving comments and making corrections. A step-by-step guide and checklist are included. (16 references) (LB)

A manual of techniques for teaching writing in classes of English as a second language (ESL) encourages composition beyond elementary-level sentence exercises. The objectives include communicating to a reader, expressing ideas without the pressure of face-to-face communication, exploring a subject, recording experiences, and becoming familiar with…

This discussion of strategies for improving writing evaluation in a course in English as a Second Language begins with a brief review of relevant research and then offers concrete suggestions for improvement in testing. The suggestions are in the form of five general considerations rather than specific test-writing techniques. They include the…

This paper outlines the 4-tiered evaluation and classroom practices of one English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) teacher related to writing abilities that involve the use of audiocassettes that integrate writing, reading, speaking, and listening from pre-writing to teacher evaluation and student remediation. Daily instruction includes writing,…

The guide offers instructors a system for responding to their English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) students' writing, and is designed to accompany an ESL student guide to editing. It include information on how to: respond as a collaborator and constructive critic; respond to content; respond to sentence-level errors; assign grades; help students…

Four areas of consideration are crucial to the development of an effective English-as-a-Second-Language writing program: the nature of basic writers; acquisition of written language; approaches to teaching basic writing; and classroom strategies. Basic writers are students who have studied writing for years but are still unable to produce…

A method is described for teaching writing of English as a second language that emphasizes exposure to genuine, useful language and opportunities to use it. Sample exercises are provided that illustrate seven stages of writing: free writing, analysis, presentation, controlled writing, guided writing, free writing, and modelling. (MSE)