WRITING

Students often wonder why their handicap is generally the writing skill, which -according to statistics- is by far one of the main reasons why students don't pass their certificate exam.

As with many other skills in life, this can only be acquired through regular practice and self-/ others' correction.

Here is a procedure I always find useful:

1. BEFORE writing your composition, plan your writing.

This includes gathering ideas, expressions and/or words you would like to include; linking words…

​TIP: Try to incorporate new vocabulary or grammar resources etc that you have recently learnt.

2. ​WHILE writing,​:- Set a time limit: When doing homework you tend to forget about time…

Iwill give you instructions depending on the task.

- Keep it simple/ manageable (don’t try to translate Spanish structures literally!). Taking challenges is good but within certain limits…

​- Re-read your writing to check stupid and/or “favourite” mistakes (we all have those).

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3. WHEN your teacher gives your corrected composition back to you:

​- Use the correction code to identify the type of mistakes you made.

- Try to re-edit your work by self-correcting it.

- Change your mistaken words/ expressions for correct ones on the same sheet. (Preferably with a pencil or a different colour) DON'T REWRITE IT: that would mean double work for the teacher!


- Hand it back to your teacher and discuss persistent problems with her.