Matching Pairs A route for writing workOnline version A typical route for the development of writing skills. It may involve some or all of the following steps: by María Guadalupe Diez Sánchez 1 Prepare draft 2 Prepare final text 3 Sort and order ideas 4 Introduce the topic 5 Introduce & summarize the main writing task 6 Plan de text 7 Edit 8 Focus on useful models 9 Brainstorm ideas 10 Fast-write 11 Select and reject ideas 12 Get feedback Whole class: use the board to collect as many ideas as possible. Small groups: speak and take notes. Start to plan structure of text by arranging ideas. What is worth leaving out? Another student can read and make useful comments/suggestions on the content, the message, the organization, or the language. Use notes to start shaping the text. The layout & order of paragraphs. Are there any special rules for the genre? Get students interested through an advert, article, picture, or discussing some key issues. Based on feedback, students write a finished text. Preparing a draft version before the final one gives them the chance to get the reader reactions. Students carefully go through their own text, checking if it says what they want it to, if it is clear, if its language is correct, etc. Help students to study sample(s) of similar written texts, focusing on content, message, organization, grammar, phrases, etc. A very good way to overcome 'blank page' terror and get ideas flowing is to 'fast-write'. Make sure students know what they are expected to do, the genre (magazine article? letter? formal report? etc.), and the audience (who they are writing to and why).
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