WHY WE TEACH WRITING

Here are five main reasons for teaching writing to our students:

1. VARIETY

2. REINFORCEMENT
This is arguably the most common reason why we teach writing.
i.e. typically coursebook exercises require students to WRITE answers as single words, phrases or sentences. The idea is that this usually reinforces grammar or provides evidence they have understood a text.
This element of reinforcement is also true when used in conjunction with number three below.
A lot of test preparation work requires students to write by, for example taking notes from a phone conversation and then writing a message using the information. This form of continual exam practice is a regular reinforcemnt feature in many exam preparation courses.

Whether or not it is a good or a valid reason can be (hotly) debated.

3. EXAMINATION PRACTICE
Most exams require students to give answers in writing. Some require essay-type answers.
This is mainly due to the fact that writing is a very convenient, and often accurate mode of assessment. Writing on the page is certainly easier to assess objectively than students' speaking.

4. REFERENCE
Students take notes throughout our lessons so that they then have something to revise from.
How many of us actually use this most natural form of 'classroom' writing as a teaching opportunity to improve students' writing skills?

5. STUDENT NEEDS
Many of the students we teach have specific needs when it comes to writing, and these are usually tied to specific text-types such as academic essays, business letters, reports etc.