Nature of Writing in ELT

【摘 要】 In recent years, the analysis of writing has been emphasized more and more in the field of English Language Teaching(EFL). Before we start writing in English, it is of great significance to know about the nature of writing in learning and teaching of English.

【关键词】 nature EFL writing reasons

Ⅰ. Introduction

Writing is one of the four crucial skills in foreign language teaching and learning. Shu Baimei defines writing as the process of selecting, combing, arranging and developing ideas in effective sentences, paragraphs, and often, longer units of discourse(2009:176). Writing involves the use and selection of word, sentence, paragraph and punctuation.省略nu.省略/). In terms of words, such aspects need to be considered: spelling, the meaning of the word, part of speech, the tone of the word, etc. When it comes to the sentence level, the grammar, the sentence structure, the cohesion are the points need to be noticed. A sentence is a group of related words containing a complete thought (Lyons: 1986). To the next extent, it is paragraph. A paragraph is a group of sentences that work together to make a point. The most important element in this level is the coherence between the lines and paragraphs.

Another important factor—punctuation have big influences on the comprehension of what the writers mean. Because of the special properties of punctuation, this factor does need to be paid enough attention when writers are writing. Compare the following two sentences:

A woman, without her man, is nothing.

A woman: without her, man is nothing.

Obviously, the meaning of the two sentences is absolutely different. But if we don’t notice the importance of punctuation, the meaning may be misunderstood and there might be side effects.

Ⅱ. Reasons for teaching writing

Two major reasons are indentified in teaching writing in ELT.

From the perspective of ELT teachers, writing serves as a way “to reinforce previously taught grammar and vocabulary items” (Shu 2009:194). Students use what they have learned in writing and teachers can have a whole picture of their level via assessment and evaluation, which provides suggestions and hints for teaching grammar and vocabulary. Writing also serves as a means of assessment, which is often used in testing. Writing test can be easily found in any exams related to ELT, from TOEFL (The Test of English as a Foreign Language) to IELTS (International English Language Testing System), from College Entrance Examination to Graduation Entrance Examination, etc.