A theoretical framework for an integrated second language writing plan is proposed, and concrete suggestions and applications around which proficiency-based writing activities can be designed, developed, and implemented are offered. Writing is defined as a thinking process that needs to be introduced and practiced early in the language course. In…

In an effort to encourage the integration of writing as a communicative act in the second language classroom, information is presented about the purposes of writing in the second language classroom, types of writing tasks, proficiency levels in writing, writing activities, and writing evaluation. (Author/CB)

Three examples of conversation and composition courses that work well because of a large amount of preparation and coordination are outlined in this article. Courses in German, French, and Spanish are included that are concrete examples. (JL)

Development of oral foreign language proficiency in high school and college instruction is complemented by well-designed writing exercises integrating all skills and providing contact with various language forms. A series of short, text-adaptable, proficiency-based writing activities reinforcing aural, oral, and reading skills throughout the basic…

A pilot study concerning the range of writing skills of intermediate students of English as a second language (ESL) is reported. The study identified the clause structures and relative low-order linguistic skills in the writing samples of 25 college students in this group. The method of evaluation of writing samples was a model of conformity to…

A number of papers by secondary school German language teachers resulting from an institute on incorporation of literature into classroom instruction jointly sponsored by the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Goethe Institute of Germany are collected here. They represent classroom methods and materials developed by institute…

Written for the general classroom teacher whose class includes English language learners (ELLs), as well as for ELL teachers working in general classrooms, this book portrays ELL students in grades 3-6 who learn essential reading and writing skills and are full members of the classroom community. Throughout the book, the authors emphasize the…

This report describes an approach to third-year college-level French literature instruction that used a more informal approach to student writing than that traditionally used in such a course. The approach evolved from a comparison of students' formal writing skills with the skills defined in the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign…

Research indicates that writing can be an important vehicle for integrating all the learning that occurs in a foreign language. However, a number of factors have conspired to displace foreign language writing as a critical skill: the push for oral proficiency, departmental fragmentation, larger class sizes, and heavier faculty loads. Second…

This paper examines the effectiveness of process writing instruction in English as a second language to foster contextualized situated learning of adverbial clauses of contrast (e.g., "although, even though, however, nevertheless, in spite of, despite, on the other hand"), as demonstrated in a group of six Brazilian upper-intermediate…

A technique for teaching English as a foreign language (EFL) that requires students to write relatively simple English in large volume has been successful in developing both language skills and self-confidence. Students rewrite stories to reflect situations and conditions different from those in the original telling; for example, by changing the…

The report describes a grammar program designed to reduce structural errors in written tests on non-native students of English. Subjects were 20 college English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) students of different language backgrounds. The program's objectives were to (1) reduce grammatical errors in the students' writing by 20 percent, (2) improve…

Notes the problem of teaching reading and writing in a way that is not racially or culturally biased. Offers teaching strategies for combating this, including using a wide variety of works from other races and cultures that provide a range of minority perspectives in a nonstereotypical fashion. (JC)

This compilation of four issues of the Japan Association of Language Teachers Journal (JALT) covers the years 1982-1984. The four issues contain a total of 21 articles, as follows: "Communicative Needs in Foreign Language Learning" (Jack C. Richards); "Language Proficiency Interview Testing" (David J. Keitges);…

This document consists of the first two issues of the journal RELIEF. Each issue contains four articles. All articles deal with French second language instruction: (1) "Utiliser la presse ecrite en classe de francais-langue seconde (Using the Print Media in French Second Language Class)" (H. Canto); (2) "Une lecon de grammaire…