Teaching Productive Skills to the Students: a secondary Level Scenario

2.7.3 Aspects of Effective Writing 
 
Before looking at how to teach writing skills, aspects of effective writing can be 
considered. Correctness and accuracy are needed in the following areas. 
a. 
Grammar: 
Grammar is important for writing. However, when we speak we are 
more likely to use simple grammar and it‟s easier to get away with incorrect sentences. 
In writing every grammar error stands out, which is why it is especially important to 
know the rules. 
b. 
Vocabulary: Being able to choose the most accurate words to express your 
thoughts in writing is the key to being understood. 
c. 
Spelling: 
There are few spelling rules in English, and the connection 
between how a word is spelt and how it is pronounced is less clear-cut than in many 
other languages. Our students need to learn the spelling of each word. 
d. 
Punctuation: 
This helps us understand written text the way intonation 
helps us under
stand another person‟s speech. 

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e. 
Layout: 
Students must be made aware of the conventions of certain forms 
of writing, for example, informal letters, formal letters, poems, scientific reports, diaries, 
faxes, notes, and postcards. 
f. 
Linking: 
Learners must consider linking ideas and information across 
sentences and paragraphs to develop a topic or argument. 
g. 
Style:  Appropriate styles should be taught to the students. For example, our 
written English on a postcard to a friend is completely different from a letter to a 
government office asking for information. 
2.7.4 Stages of Writing 
According to G. Broughton, English teachers can use three stages of writing: 
a. 
Controlled writing 
b. 
Guided writing 
c. 
Free writing (Broughton 118)