Describes writing exercises in which students transform a simple text into their own original, more complex production. (EKN)

Describes a method whereby students of French apply small increments of grammar and vocabulary immediately in daily 15-minute writing sessions in which they write brief, structurally sound compositions and focus on language use rather than on translation of ideas from English to French. (MSE)

Discusses using ungraded, uncorrected journals focusing on academic and class-related concerns as a nonthreatening way for students to practice writing English. Proposes that teachers should become participants in the writing processes by writing journals to the class. (EKN)

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)

Describes use of Ten Perfect Sentences approach to teaching English writing skills to nonnative English language students at the upper secondary and university levels. The purpose of this approach is the writing of correct sentences in English on a topic before progressing to compositions. Stresses insistence on high standard of mechanical…

Discusses the various aspects of writing instruction from teaching English script to teaching composition. (EKN)

Four techniques are suggested for tutoring students of English as a second language in writing: taking a "writing history" of the student's experiences, failures, and successes at writing by asking open-ended questions in a non-judgmental way during an informal interview; brainstorming about a given writing topic, with the tutor taking close notes…

A productive language exercise that uses the computer and a variation on the cloze procedure by deleting every third word and requiring the student to insert a grammatically and thematically acceptable term is described. (MSE)

Discusses letter writing as a practical way to teach German composition. Describes the course content and gives samples of topics and exercises. (EKN)

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)

In one approach to French second-language instruction, students use free writing assignments to express themselves in their newly learned second language. The primary objective is to encourage students to use the language in a nonthreatening context; it also offers the teacher insights into student problems and needs. (MSE)

Seven sentence combining activities designed to be stimulating and effective for college-level Japanese students of English as a Second Language are described. It is also demonstrated that a wide range of subjects can provide viable and engaging topics for the activities. The exercises include the following: (1) combining sentences provided into a…

Discusses an approach to teaching second language composition which emphasizes (1) careful analysis of model texts from a limited, but well-defined perspective and (2) the application of text manipulation techniques developed by the word processing industry to student compositions. (EKN)

Describes design for advanced writing exercises for ESL classes which provides more individualized instruction and acquaints students with English thought patterns which underly the organization of longer units of discourse. Methods isolate one organizational function at a time for intensive practice. (Author/BK)

The dicto-comp, an exercise consisting of a passage to be read several times by the student and then reproduced, usually taps a student's ability to write dictation and composition. Here the emphasis is on composition rather than auditory memory expansion, with the idea that each dicto-comp has a specific teaching point to convey. (PJM)