During-Writing
Once students are ready to write, they need clear instructions and resources to complete the next steps in the process: writing drafts, revising, self-editing, expanding. Students should be allowed to use notes they generated from the pre-writing tasks. Decide also whether they may use a dictionary or spell-checker, and what you expect them to do for this activity. Ensure that your pedagogical objectives align with the actual activity you assign your students.
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Ways to keep students engaged throughout the writing process.
Duration: 01:41
Example During Writing Task
You will write a short story that tells your reader about your latest winter vacation. It will describe in some detail - the more interesting the better - what you did, where, and how it went. After you are finished composing your short story, make sure to re-read your story and run through the self-editing checklist! In the meantime, follow these steps to begin your masterpiece!
- Write a paragraph that explains a) where the story takes place, b) who was there, and c) what was the funny event that happened.
- Write 2-3 paragraphs a) about what happened before, during and after this event or b) add descriptions of the main characters that explain why this event was funny.
- Provide details that make the story interesting for your reader (make sure they want to read it!).
- Start with a hook, have a clear beginning, middle and end (a complete story arc) in your narrative.
- Add phrases to make the story flow smoothly (cohesion markers, pronouns, conjunctions)
- Eliminate "fluff" (unnecessary or redundant details)
- Review your story for fluidity, vocabulary, grammar, style and mechanics.
These checklists can be adapted for any level and language.