Writing for FCE & CAE

Writing in exam classes How do your Ss feel about it? How do you feel about it? Do you do most writing in or out of class? What do you do before they write? What happens during and after correction?

“It’s boring” “It takes too long” “I don’t know what to write” IS IT?!?! MAKE IT WORTHWHILE!! GIVE THEM WHAT THEY NEED BEFORE THEY START!!

Writing in exam classes Pre-writing tasks Correction Marking

Process writingProduct writing text as a resource for more than one draft more global, focus on purpose, theme, text type, i.e., reader is emphasised collaborative emphasis on creative comparison ideas as starting point process imitate model text organisation of ideas more important than ideas themselves one draft features highlighted including controlled practice of those features individual emphasis on end product

Analysing Model Texts Underline / highlight linkers Substitute linkers with alternatives Follow reference words to their source Tippex out linkers / reference words – Ss replace Order cut up paragraphs in which linkers and other cohesive devices have been underlined Ss correct grammatical, lexical or punctuation errors in model Compare two models, either one good one bad or two with good and bad points Dictation / dictogloss – Ss reformulate

WRITEWRITE WHAT REGISTER INCLUDE TARGET READER EDIT Grammar & range of vocab Punctuation & spelling Paragraphs & linkers

Paragraph plan Title and/or topic sentences Useful structures Useful vocab

Introduction Respond to news, give info & Suggestions Recommend restaurants Decline invitation and ending Hi Jane! You should definitely come in April By far the best restaurant is… I’m really sorry that… Great to hear from you! Should / mustn’t / why don’t you One of the best If I were you, I’d… Everyone says / I’ve heard… I’d love to …but… Delicious / tasty Try out Arrange Cosy atmosphere Spicy Eat out pricey

Correction What are the advantages / disadvantages of peer correction of written work? What different aspects can you (or Ss) focus on when correcting writing? Do you give Ss a copy of the mark scheme for the task? Do you use a correction code? What? How? How do you help your Ss be more systematic when checking their writing? Have you asked your Ss’ views are on the way marking is done and errors are dealt with? Do you or your Ss keep a record of their writing marks or comments?

For a Band 3 to be awarded, the candidate’s writing, on the whole, achieves the desired effect on the target reader. All the content points required in the task are included. Ideas are organised adequately, with the use of simple linking devices and adequate range of structure and vocabulary. A number of errors may be present, but they do not impede communication. A reasonable, if not always successful, attempt is made at register and format which is appropriate to the purpose of the task and the audience.