Letter writing

Letter writing is the most widely spread type of written speech exercise. The acquired language input and interests of students determine topical range of letter writing. Before writing a letter, students are usually given a pattern letter in English. It shows the way the English start their letters and end them up. The following tasks may be suggested for this purpose:

· Write a letter to your friend who lives in another town.

· Write a letter to your parents who are away from home.

· Write a letter to a person you want to be your pen friend. Etc.

At the senior stage, some methodologists recommend to write annotations.

Conclusions

In this talk, we have discussed the nature of writing as contrasted to speaking in real life and the position of writing in foreign language teaching. We have considered linguistic material of writing as well as psychological content of teaching writing at different stages. We have distinguished between teaching the technique of writing and teaching writing for communication and have finally outlined corresponding exercises in forming and developing speech habits and in improving communicative skill of writing.

Discussion

List all the major differences between writing and speaking. In what way do exercises in teaching writing differ from those in teaching speaking?

Define the position of writing in foreign language teaching.

What are graphic signs of writing and what functions do they perform?

What is the minimum item of writing? Outline its psycholinguistic picture.

What orthographic difficulties do students face while learning writing? How do they relate to interlanguage and intralanguage interference?

What groups of typical difficulties in writing should students cope with at the junior/ intermediate stage?

What are the peculiarities of teaching writing at the junior/ intermediate/ senior stage?

What is the teacher concerned with while teaching the technique of writing? How would you get your students to acquire the Roman script?

What are the procedural steps in training penmanship?

What drills in guided writing would you suggest to intermediate students?

Characterise the kinds and use of dictations in teaching writing. What are the advantages of dictogloss? Give your own example of dictogloss.

What kinds of preparatory exercises would you give your students before teaching them writing for communication?

Dwell upon communicative activities in teaching writing.

Дата добавления: 2015-11-13