Of all the language skills, writing is the most difficult challenge for language teachers because students have less experience with written expression. Stimulated by audio-visual materials throughout their lives, students are novices in the discipline of writing. Making writing an ongoing part of foreign language acquisition from the first day in…

Argues that, in second-language instruction, reading and writing assignments must be linked to introduce learners to the kind of writing they will be expected to do in literature and culture courses. Examines the content of second-language composition classes in this light, particularly as they concern English-as-a-Second-Language writing…

Discusses the popularity of adventure games in computer assisted language learning and attributes the success of this format to the Input Hypothesis and the Affective Filter Hypothesis. Criteria for the instructional evaluation of these games are presented. (Author/SED)

Contains four articles concerning: the semantic opposition "Intense-Intesif"; vocabulary enrichment based on authentic documents; descriptions of personal characteristics and group activities; word-games promoting linguistic creativity; and various aspects of the expressions of quantity. (MES)

Three types of written conversation are examined: the interview, the dialog in a comic strip, and fictional dialog. These are compared to the function of conversation in spoken language, and pedagogical indications are given for each of the types as well as in general. (AMH)

Discusses the pedagogical implications, for a French class, of the following: (1) a puzzle-like game for text reconstruction; (2) use of gossip-column letters in advanced classes; (3) use of radio news and newspaper titles; and (4) classroom space utilization favoring spontaneous communication. (AMH)

Discusses the use of "buddy journals" between pairs of native and nonnative English-speaking students to help develop the English literacy skills of both groups of students. Guidelines are provided for matching student pairs, evaluating student writing, and allowing for midcourse changes, as well as sample journal topics. (15 references) (MDM)

Sample notional writing materials for use with advanced level ESL students are presented. The basic assumption is that effective writing demands a feel for one's audience and a sense of purpose, integrating function (what is being said), situation (to whom it is being said), and grammar (how it is being said). The functions selected are those that…

The rationale for using critical autobiography projects in English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) instruction is discussed, and procedures for implementation are outlined. Writing a critical autobiography involves the student's presenting a personal narrative while exploring external factors influencing his life. Critical experiences in life provide…

The use of mass media as a means of learning a foreign language from the beginning of language study is discussed. Using the media enables many of the features of the natural language acquisition process to be brought into play in a way that much current language teaching material does not. This position is supported by recent research into the…

With each issue focusing on different themes, volume 18 of "Inside English" looks at he revitalizing literature, teaching as a subversive activity, writing at all levels, and the English classroom of the 1990's. In addition to regular columns on the English Council of California Two-Year Colleges (ECCTYC) and legislative concerns, the following…