Some experience in helping grade 11 students at le loi upper secondary school to improve their paragraph writing skills

A INTRODUCTION I THE REASONS FOR CHOOSING THE THEME English, an international language, has been developing rapidly It is a subject that features regularly on study timetables all around the world Every country does not want to be isolated in international communication, so it puts English in cirriculum of their education at program In Vietnam, English is a cumpulsory subject at schools and it has recently been choosen as a cumpulsory subject in the national examination for the General Certificate of Secondary Education or GCSE for short In learning English, there are four skills to be mastered, they are listening, speaking, reading and writing Listening and reading are receptive skills On the other hand, speaking and writing are productive skills It is true that writing is a very important skill in teaching and learning English especially paragraph writing Evidently, in GCSE English's test , students have to write a paragraph within 140 words This is not a small challenge for most students in general and for the students at Le Loi high school in particular In fact, they have difficuly in collecting and rearranging ideas, writing the topic and concluding sentences, using the transitional words, using various structures and vocabulary and so on Moreover, writing skill takes time and regular practice In the school setting, writing of 11th grade plays an important role because it prepares needed things for students such as: grammar points, content, vocabulary and especially helps them write well at higher level of 12 th grade when they are obligated to sit for important examminations Otherwise, for the last several years, the final and university entrance exam have put high press on writing skill As a result, most students have been widely aware of the necessity for learning and practicing writing skills Understanding these problems, I decied to choose " Some experience in helping grade 11 students at Le Loi upper-secondary school to improve their paragraph writing skills " as the topic of my experience initiatives with the hope that I can help my students to be more confident in writing and practically, they will succeed in their final examinations II THE OBJECTIVES OF THE PAPER The study is aimed to serve some main objectives as listed following - To give teachers an experience in teaching how to write a parapraph by using some effective techniques which are appropriate and effective in teaching writing skill to the grade 11 students - To give students in grade 11th input to improve their ability and competence in writing skill - To equip stdents with the system of writing exercises so that they will have chance to practice paragraph writing skills As a result, they will have high motivation to write and they will also know how to write a parapraph effectively III THE SCOPE OF THE PAPER Based on the background and identification of the theme, the paper is limited on teaching writing skill to the students in grade 11th by using some effective techniques The research was conducted at my workplace- at Le Loi high school, Tho Xuan district, Thanh Hoa province The subject consists of 90 students who come from class 11A2, 11A6, school year 2015-2016 All of them are at the age of seventeenth to nineteenth years old They have to take every skill in each period; learning time is periods per week IV THE METHODS OF THE PAPER The writer did some steps to this research, they are as follows; - surveying the literature relating to the problem; - defining the problem; - constructing an experimental plan by writing the research design; - design the research instrument; - doing the instrument try-out; - giving the test to the students; - practicing teaching - collecting the data through the posttest; - analyzing the data; - drawing conclusions; - proposing suggestions; - writing the report as subject - Exchanging experience with colleagues B CONTENT I THEORETICAL BACKGROUND Definitions of writing There are a lot of definitions of writing According to Byrne (1991), writing can be defined as the act of forming graphic symbols When we write, we use graphic symbol (alphabet, grammar, and structures) to make visual meaningful utterances Therefore, on one level, writing can be said to be the act of making marks on flat surface of some kinds However, writing is not just simply putting words, sentences together Many researchers tended to focus on the nature of writing as an entity of linguistic creation For example, Brannon, Knight and Neverow-Turk (1982, p 2) pointed out “ writing is a creative art, not as assembly line operation of locking words together into sentence and bolting sentences together into paragraphs in accordance with a predefined plan.” In short, the definitions of writing are various However, writing is characterized with some basic features, i.e being linguistics, creative, progressive and interactive Besides, the word “writing” itself may imply an act, a process, or a skill, which needs practice and study to develop It requires both physical and mental powers from the writers Writing a paragraph 2.1 What is a paragraph ? A paragraph is a group of sentences that fleshes out a single idea In order for a paragraph to be effective, it must begin with a topic sentence, have sentences that support the main idea of that paragraph, and maintain a consistent flow It often ends with a concluding sentence 2.2 Parts of a Paragraph 2.2.1 Topic Sentence What is the topic sentence? The topic sentence is often the first sentence in a paragraph A topic sentence is an introductory line that addresses what the main idea or thesis of the paragraph is going to be It should contain the most important and relevant point you wish to make regarding your topic, thus summarizing the paragraph as a whole Example: There are various reasons why many people think that friendship plays an important role in their life The most important reason can be that everyone needs at least a friend to share everything regardless of sadness or happiness For me, I like chatting with my friends about what happened every day and discussing personal problems Furthermore, our friends will be ready to help us out of our troubles They will give us some good advice and support when we are in dificulty Finally, thanks to friendship, we will have fun and enjoy a meaningful life In conclusion, in my opinion, without friends, life would be dull and boring 2.2.2 Supporting Details What are supporting sentences? They come after the topic sentence, making up the body of a paragraph What they do? They give details to develop and support the main idea of the paragraph How I write them? You should give supporting facts, details, and examples Example: There are various reasons why many people think that friendship plays an important role in their life The most important reason can be that everyone needs at least a friend to share everything regardless of sadness or happiness For me, I like chatting with my friends about what happened every day and discussing personal problems Furthermore, our friends will be ready to help us out of our troubles They will give us some good advice and support when we are in dificulty Finally, thanks to friendship, we will have fun and enjoy a meaningful life In conclusion, in my opinion, without friends, life would be dull and boring 2.2.3 Closing Sentence What is the closing sentence? The closing sentence is the last sentence in a paragraph What does it do? It restates the main idea of your paragraph How I write one? Restate the main idea of the paragraph using different words Example: There are various reasons why many people think that friendship plays an important role in their life The most important reason can be that everyone needs at least a friend to share everything regardless of sadness or happiness For me, I like chatting with my friends about what happened every day and discussing personal problems Furthermore, our friends will be ready to help us out of our troubles They will give us some good advice and support when we are in dificulty Finally, thanks to friendship, we will have fun and enjoy a meaningful life In conclusion, in my opinion, without friends, life would be dull and boring 2.3 Kinds of Paragraphs 2.3.1 Definition Paragraph When writing a definition paragraph, you take a thing or an idea and explain what it is Example: Write a paragraph giving the definition of a pest The following words can help you to write a good definition paragraph: -"is defined as" Example: A pest is defined as any animal or plant that damages crops, forests, or property - "is a kind of" Example: A pest is a kind of animal or plant that damages crops, forests, or property 2.3.2 Classification Paragraph When writing a classification paragraph, you group things or ideas into specific categories Example: Write a paragraph discussing two types of energy resources The following words can help you to write a good classification paragraph: • is a kind of/can be divided into/is a type offalls under/belongs to/is a part of/fits into/is grouped with/is related to/is associated with Example: Coal is a kind of non-renewable resource Energy resources can be divided into two types Coal is a type of non-renewable resource 2.3.3 Description Paragraph In a description paragraph, you are writing about what a person, place, or thing is like Sometimes, you may describe where a place is located Write a paragraph describing what a polar bear looks like Examples Describe where Canada's industry is located The following words can help you to write a good description paragraph: Properties Measurement Analogy Location size length is like in colour width resembles above shape mass/weight below purpose speed beside near north/east/south/west Properties size Example: Polar bears are big in size Location in Example: Most of Canada's manufacturing is located in Ontario and Quebec 2.3.4 Compare and Contrast Paragraph In a compare and contrast paragraph, you write about the similarities and differences between two or more people, places, things, or ideas Example: Write a paragraph comparing the weather in Vancouver and Halifax The following words can help you to write a good compare and contrast paragraph: Similarities Differences is similar to the other hand both however also but too in contrast as well differs from while unlike Similarities is similar to Example: Spring weather in Vancouver is similar to spring weather in Halifax both Example: Both Vancouver and Halifax have rain in the spring Differences on the other hand Example: On the other hand, winter is much colder in Halifax however Example: However, winter is much colder in Halifax 2.3.5 Sequence Paragraph In a sequencing paragraph, you are writing to describe a series of events or a process in some sort of order Usually, this order is based on time Example: Write a paragraph outlining how a person becomes the prime minister The following words can help you to write a good sequence paragraph Order Time first, second, third, etc recently in the beginning previously before afterwards then when after after finally at last subsequently Order first, second, third, etc Example: First, you need to become a leader of a political party Second, you need to win a seat in the House of Commons Third, your party must have a majority of seats Time recently Example: She was recently elected prime minister after Example: After winning a seat in the House of Commons, you must make sure you have a majority of seats 2.3.6 Choice Paragraph In a paragraph where you have to make a choice, you need to choose which object, idea, or action that you prefer Often, you will need to give your opinion on a choice of actions or events Example: Write a paragraph stating whether you would prefer to play hockey or lacrosse The following words can help you to write a good choice paragraph: Point of View Personal Opinion in my opinion like/dislike belief hope idea feel understanding I think that I consider I believe it seems to me I prefer Example: In my opinion, hockey is more fun than lacrosse belief Example: My belief is that hockey is more fun than lacrosse Personal Opinions like/dislike Example: I like the sport of hockey because it is fast and exciting 2.3.7 Explanation Paragraph In an explanation paragraph, you need to explain how or why something happens Very often in social studies class, you will be asked to explore causes and effects of certain events Example: Write a paragraph explaining why so many Europeans moved to Canada during the nineteenth century The following words can help you to write a good explanation paragraph: Cause because since as a result of is due to Effect therefore thus consequently hence it follows that if then Cause as a result of Example: People moved to Canada from Europe as a result of poor living conditions in Europe is due to / was due to Example: The large influx of people to Canada was due to economic pressures in Europe Effect therefore Example: Living conditions in Europe were terrible Therefore, many people moved to Canada for a better life thus Example: Living conditions in Europe were terrible Thus, many people moved to Canada for a better life 2.3.8 Evaluation Paragraph In an evaluation paragraph, you make judgments about people, ideas, and possible actions You need to make your evaluation based on certain criteria that you develop In the paragraph, you will state your evaluation or recommendation and then support it by referring to your criteria Example: Write a paragraph evaluating whether pesticides should be used on farms The following words can help you to write a good evaluation paragraph: Criteria for Evaluation Recommendation good / bad suggest correct / incorrect recommend moral / immoral advise right / wrong argue important / trivial Criteria moral / immoral Example: The use of pesticides to control pests is immoral because it harms the environment right / wrong Example: It is wrong to use pesticides because they harm the environment Recommendation suggest Example: I suggest that pesticides should not be used to control pests 2.4 How to Write a Paragraph 2.4.1 Prewriting Paragraphs What is the prewriting stage? The prewriting stage is when you think carefully and organize your ideas for your paragraph before you begin writing Six Prewriting Steps: Step Think carefully about what you are going to write Ask yourself: • What question am I going to answer in this paragraph ? • How can I best answer this question? What is the most important part of my answer? • How can I make an introductory sentence (or thesis statement) from the most important part of my answer? • What facts or ideas can I use to support my introductory sentence? • How can I make this paragraph interesting? • Do I need more facts on this topic? • Where can I find more facts on this topic? Step Open your notebook Write out your answers to the above questions You not need to spend a lot of time doing this; just write enough to help you remember why and how you are going to write your paragraph or essay Step Collect facts related to your paragraph or essay topic Look for and write down facts that will help you to answer your question Timesaving hint: make sure the facts you are writing are related to the exact question you are going to answer in your paragraph or essay Step Write down your own ideas Ask yourself: • What else I want to say about this topic? • Why should people be interested in this topic? • Why is this topic important? Step Find the main idea of your paragraph or essay Choose the most important point you are going to present If you cannot decide which point is the most important, just choose one point and stick to it throughout your paragraph or essay Step Organize your facts and ideas in a way that develops your main idea Once you have chosen the most important point of your paragraph or essay, you must find the best way to tell your reader about it Look at the facts you have written Look at your own ideas on the topic Decide which facts and ideas will best support the main idea of your paragraph Once you have chosen the facts and ideas you plan to use, ask yourself which order to put them in the paragraph Write down your own note set that you can use to guide yourself as you write your paragraph or essay 2.4.2 Writing Paragraphs What is the writing stage? The writing stage is when you turn your ideas into sentences Five Writing Steps: Step Open your notebook and word processor Step Write the topic sentence, supporting sentences, and closing sentence Step Write clear and simple sentences to express your meaning Step Focus on the main idea of your paragraph Step Use the dictionary to help you find additional words to express your ideas 2.4.3 Editing Paragraphs What is the editing stage? The editing stage is when you check your paragraph for mistakes and correct them Grammar and Spelling • Check your spelling • Check your grammar • Read your essay again • Make sure each sentence has a subject • See if your subjects and verbs agree with each other • Check the verb tenses of each sentence • Make sure that each sentence makes sense Style and Organization • Make sure your paragraph has a topic sentence • Make sure your supporting sentences focus on the main idea • Make sure you have a closing sentence • Check that all your sentences focus on the main idea • See if your paragraph is interesting 2.4.4 Publishing Paragraphs What is the publishing stage? The publishing stage is when you produce a final copy of your paragraph to hand in Three Publishing Steps: 10 1.1.1 Analyzing models To make the teachers’ writing lessons more effective for the students, I often find some extra sources besides the textbook and provide students with one or two more model texts These models can be relevant to the writing tasks (in terms of topic, content, form, language, etc.) After that I make copies for the students and elicit the students’ discussion over the models For example: The sample of unit 13 about hobby My hobby- collecting stamps- has its own story I began to collect stamps when I was 11 years old At that time, my English teachers used to give colorful pictures as a reward to those students who are good at her subject Being one of those students, I very much loved those pictures and carefully kept them one by one in an album Seeing how I treasure the pictures, my father advised me to collect stamps as a hobby Now there are over 150 stamps of insects, animals, flowers and plants of all kinds in my collection In addition, there are also foreign stamps that I have received from my pen pals in Australia, France, and The United States To increasing the size of my album of stamps, I sometimes exchange stamps with those who share the same hobbies with me What a pleasant thing to look at my beautiful stamps Then, the students are asked to examine the writing in pairs, individually, in small groups to analyze what they see To help the students to analyze model text more easily, the teachers could use some guiding questions: - Which sentence states the main idea? - Which sentence directly supports that main idea? - Has the writer used the listing words? - Which of the followings did the writer to support the topic: describe, divide into parts, explain, give reasons, etc? - How did the writer end the passage? What did the writer in the end- ask a question, summarize, introduce new point ? - How many parts would you divide the passage into? What is typical/ special about these parts? 1.1.2 Interview In this activity, students are asked to interview other group members According to Raimes (1983), interviews can be done in many ways Students can interview each other in pairs and note down the ideas Interviews can be used to find out detailed information from students’ partners such as: how their friend is like (Unit 1- English 11 textbook), how they celebrate their birthday parties (Unit 3- English 11 text book), how they prepare for Tet holiday (Unit 8- English 11 text book) Then they write a report This kind of activity gets students to talk and motivates students to write in a relaxing manner 1.1.3 Asking journalists’ question 14 These questions - who, what, when, where, why, and how- are easy for teachers to help students to generate ideas They are especially helpful in writing an event For example, in unit (English 11 textbook), students are required to write about their memorable past experiences and these questions can be helpful - What is the name of the experience? - When did it happen? - Where did it happen? - How did it happen? - Why were you there? - Who got involved in the incident? - How are they? - How did the experience affect you? 1.1.4 Brainstorming Using brainstorming in the first stage of writing lessons is very useful I would like to suggest some ways to organize brainstorming * From group to whole class - Step 1: I state the topic and write it on the blackboard, then give any explanations which may be needed - Step 2: I divide students into groups Ask them to talk and write down their ideas First, ask a group to write down two or three ideas on the board Then ask other groups to add any ideas that they may have on the board - Step 3: I ask the whole class or small groups to discuss the relevancy of the ideas on the board Then ask question about anything that does not make sense If some ideas seem too vague or general, ask the group who wrote them to explain what they mean - Step 4: I ask each individual to choose a given number of the items to develop his/ her own outline * Whole class brainstorming: In the kind of activity, the groups work together from the beginning When the topic has been stated, the class members say whatever ideas occur to them The teacher should not correct or comment but may ask for a more detailed explanation Then the whole class discusses the relevancy of the ideas Finally, the teacher asks each individual to choose a given number of the ideas to develop her/his own outline This kind of activity may be best for topics which will interest most of the students in class like writing task - Unit 14 ( English 11 textbook), in which students are to write a passage about their class’s camping holiday 1.1.5 Cluster Mapping: Cluster mapping, also called idea webbing, is a great way to show relationships between ideas Cluster mapping is also part idea generation and 15 part organization, so students will know exactly how to group their ideas once they are ready to write To begin, write your topic in the center of the page and put a circle around it Then you can move in one of two directions For instance, a cluster may be designed for unit1 1.1.6 Listing Making lists of possible topics or listing as much as they can about a given topic is a helpful strategy and is one type of brainstorming Ask your students write down any word or phrase that may relate to the given topic underneath Don’t worry about spelling and grammar Your goal is to write down as many ideas as quickly as possible I used this activity for unit 12: Describing the preparations for the coming Asian Games 1.1.7 Outlining Making an outline is a type of graphic organizer and gives students a visual aid for organization It is helpful and important for all kinds of writings 1.1.8 Talking Talking is the most important prewriting activity for all writers Everyone loves to talk about things that interest them! Talking can be informal or formal Have students turn and talk to a partner, conference with a peer, or conduct an interview Talking with other classmates and adults helps students gather alternate views about a topic In conclusion, whether you choose to use all these methods with your students or only one or two, prewriting gives your students the tools and foundation for successful writing Prewriting alleviates students’ anxiety freeing their minds to focus on words after generating ideas instead of completing both steps simultaneously Prewriting will give your students confidence and direction as they write not to mention improve the quality of their ideas and organization in their writing Providing students with useful exercises to help them pratice writing paragraphs more actively and effectively 2.1 Types of exercises encouraging students to practice writing the topic sentence Type 1: Find the topic sentence of the given paragraps Example : The option to start work straight after school is attractive for several reasons Many young people want to start earning money as soon as possible In this way, they can become independent, and they will be able to afford their own house or start a family In terms of their career, young people who decide to find work, rather than continue their studies, may progress more quickly They will 16 have the chance to gain real experience and learn practical skills related to their chosen profession This may lead to promotions and a successful career Type 2: Insert the given sentence into the correct position A, B, C or D Example : Two of the biggest threats to the environment are air pollution and waste (A)Gas emissions from factories and exhaust fumes from vehicles lead to global warming, which may have a devastating effect on the planet in the future.(B) As the human population increases, we are also producing ever greater quantities of waste, which contaminates the earth and pollutes rivers and oceans (C)Governments could certainly make more effort to reduce air pollution They could introduce laws to limit emissions from factories or to force companies to use renewable energy from solar, wind or water power They could also impose ‘green taxes’ on drivers and airline companies In this way, people would be encouraged to use public transport and to take fewer flights abroad, therefore reducing emissions (D) Example 2: It seems to me that the latter overweigh the former (A) It is undeniable that big cities have their own advantages and disadvantages as well (B) Firstly, pollution, as we know, is one of the most serious problems of big cities nowadays Evidently, pollution results from things that benefit human beings, as a consequence, it is impossible to stop or reduce pollution in a short time.(C) Secondly, big cities are the roof of all social evils In fact, big cities are ideal places for the spread of social evils such as robbery, drug abuse, whoresome, ete Living in big cities, people, especially the young, can easily commit such crimes, which can make the the burden to society.(D) In short, pollution and social evils are two serious problems of big cities As city-dwellers, we should, I think, be aware of them so that we can keep them away from ourselves and people in the community Useful tips: The topic sentence is often the first or the second one Type 3: Complete a paragrap by writing the topic sentence [1] In our modern time, the computer appears in every part of our daily life [2] [3] First of all, at work, the computer helps us, in just a few hours or even seconds, type documents and calculations, which may take a normal brain a life time to finish Besides, with computers people can businesses like stock transactions or design buildings, operate high-tech plants and run machines efficiently [4] Then, in education, with a computer connected to the Internet we can search almost any sort of 17 information we need for our study or learn languages more effectively [5] [Also, teachers or lecturers can make their lessons or lectures more lively and interesting with programs such as Powerpoint or other types of slide-show] [6] Lastly, for entertainment, after working hard we can get relaxed by playing some computer games or listening to our favorite type of music with the computer When we want to see a movie, staying at home, we can search for it on the Internet just in the matter of minutes, without having to go to the theater or anywhere to buy video tapes or CDs [7] It goes without saying that the computer plays a key role in every part of our daily life, from businesses to education or entertainment [8] Without it, everything in life would slow down and life would no doubt be much more dull Key suggestion : It plays an essential role at work, in education as well as in entertainment Type : Write the topic sentence using the given main points Example 1: Write a paragraph (about 140 words) about the benefits of playing sports The following prompts might be helpful to you: -keeping fit and healthy - releasing stress - meeting people Useful structures : - It is undeniable/true/clear that playing sports brings us important benefits including keeping fit and healthy, releasing stress and meeting different people - Playing sports, in most people's opinions, has three main benefits - It can not be denied that people benefit a lot by playing sports - It is apparent that sports plays a very important role in our daily life for the following reasons 2.2 Types of exercises encouraging students to practice writing the conclusing sentence Type : Complete a paragraph by choosing the correct concluding sentence Example Topic : Write a paragraph about your close friends 18 Complete the following paragraph by choosing the correct concluding sentence A, B, or C: Of all my friends, Hanh and Mai are my best friends We are at the same class at the primary school and secondary school We are also neighbors, so we spend most of our time studying and talking together Hanh is a beautiful girl with black eyes and an oval face She is an intelligent student who is always at the top of the class She likes reading and going to the library whenever she has free time Mai isn’t as beautiful as Hanh but she has a lovely smile and a good appearance Mai is very sporty She spends most of her free time playing sports Mai is a volleyball star of our school She is also very sociable and has a good sense of humor Her jokes always make us laugh A In conclusion, in my opinion, without friends, life would be dull and boring B In short, a good friend must be faithful, sympathetic and unselfish C I love both of my friends and I always hope our friendship will last forever Key : C Type : Complete a paragraph by writing the relevant concluding sentence Example Topic : Advantages of television Read the incompleted paragraph below and complete it by writing the relevant concluding sentence There are several reasons why television is an essential part of our lives First, television helps us see more of the world and learn useful things because TV programs can provide us with general knowledge about many fileds For example, we can know and understand different cultures and customs around the world just by staying at home to watch TV programs Also, television can entertain us with interesting and exciting programs such as comedy shows or movies This is one of the best ways to help us relax and have fun after work Furthermore, TV can make things memorable because it presents information in an effective way Key suggestion: In short, television has many benefits because it is not only a source of information but also a means of entertainment Example Topic : Write about your hobby Read the incompleted paragraph below and complete it by writing the relevant concluding sentence I like traveling very much because of several reasons First of all, traveling can make me feel relaxed and happy Enjoying the stunning landscape and spectacular views is one of the best ways to help me get away from stress in my 19 daily life Second, traveling to far places is a good chance for me to broaden my horizons When I travel a lot, I can experience many things such as cultures or customs which make a considerable contribution to my knowledge Finally, we are more likely to make friends with many people in other places, so we will not feel lonlely and strange when traveling anywhere Key suggestion: In conclusion, traveling plays an essential role in my life In summary, travelling is my passion because of the three aforemention/undeniable reasons Useful structures : In summary/To sum up/ To conclude/To recapitulate/To draw a conclusion/ In conclusion/ In short/ In brief/ In a nutshell/ Lastly/ Finally/In conclusion/ In short/ In brief, I must restate that It is undeniable that Type : Write the concluding sentence using the given topic one Example 1: Topic : Write a paragraph (about 140 words) about your favorite means of transport Write the concluding sentence using the given topic one below: "Of all means of transport, I myself regularly choose the train by dints of its comfort and safety." Key suggestion: In short, the train is my favorite vehicle because it is comfortable and safe Useful tips: It is a common way to write the concluding sentence by rewrite the topic sentence in different way as long as it stay the same meaning Students can use the following methods: - using different part of speech of the key words - using synonyms - changing sentence from active form into passive form - using their knowledge of rewriting sentence in different way as long as it stay the same meaning 2.3 Types of exercises encouraging students to use the linking words flexibly Type 1: Complete the paragraph using the given words Example : Complete the paragraph using the given words Furthermore First Also In short For example There are several reasons why television is an essential part of our lives (1) , television helps us see more of the world and learn useful things because TV 20 programs can provide us with general knowledge about many fileds.(2) , we can know and understand different cultures and customs around the world just by staying at home to watch TV programs.(3) , television can entertain us with interesting and exciting programs such as comedy shows or movies This is one of the best ways to help us relax and have fun after work (4) , TV can make things memorable because it presents information in an effective way.(5) , television has many benefits because it is not only a source of information but also a means of entertainment Key: First For example Also Furthermore 5.In short Type 2: Complete the paragraph using the relevant words Example : Complete the paragraph using one relevant word for each blanket There are several reasons why television is an essential part of our lives (1) ., television helps us see more of the world and learn useful things (2) TV programs can provide us with general knowledge about many fileds For (3) , we can know and understand different cultures and customs around the world just by staying at home to watch TV programs (4) ., television can entertain us with interesting and exciting programs (5) as comedy shows or movies This is one of the best ways to help us relax (6) have fun after work (7) ., TV can make things memorable because it presents information in an effective way In (8) ., television has many benefits because it is not only a source of information but also a means of entertainment Key: First/firstly such because/as/since and example/ instance Moreover/ Furthermore Also/ Additionally conclusion/short/brief Useful tips: Useful expressions Sequencing/ Listing First of all, First(ly), Initially, To begin with; Second(ly); Third(ly); Next; Then; After that (this); Following this (that); Finally; The first reason is…/ The second is…; Last but not least… Adding to what you have said Also, Furthermore, In addition, Additionally, Moreover, Besides, As well as, Similarly, not only…but also…, even beside this/ that 21 Contrasting In contrast to this, On the contrary, In contrast, Conversely, On the other hand, While, Whereas, However, Despite/ In spite of, Although, Even though, Otherwise, Nonetheless Expressing similarity Similarly; Likewise, In the same way Showing results As a result, As a consequence, Consequently, Hence, Thus, Therefore, So Giving examples For example, For instance, In particular, Particularly, That is to say, Namely, Such as In other words, That is to say, To put it simply In other words, In that case, or else, Otherwise In summary, To sum up, To conclude, To recapitulate, In conclusion, In short, In brief, In a nutshell, Lastly, Finally Restating Inferring Summarizing IV THE DISCUSSION I Results after applying the reseach in teaching In the school year 2015 -2016, I boldly applied these initiatives in teaching the students of class 11A2 and 11A6 at my shool and achieved very positive results as follows: - Most of the student now can complete a task of writing a paragraph - Writing paragraphs is no longer "scaring" but more enjoyable, active and creative Students can analyze the topic, get ideas They, now, have no difficulty in writing the topic sentence and the conclusing one as well Their ability of developing the topic is improved considerately Also, linking words not matter to them - Happily, many students are more interested in writing lessons, which motivates me much in my teaching career This also the reasons leading to the relatively positive results of the school year 2015-2016 in the classes that I am teaching Hopefully, my own small experience will help colleagues enrich their experience in teaching writing skills In the end of I asked students to write a parahraph of 22 about 140 words for the topic " The benefits of reading books" and their specific results are: Class 11A2 11A6 Total Total number of students 45 45 90 Good No Fair weak Poor % No % No % No % 17.8 18 40.0 10 22.2 20 44.4 18 20.0 38 42.2 18 14 32 40.0 31.1 35.6 1 2.2 2.2 2.2 0 0 0 % No Average - In comparision with the result from the beginning of the school year, the figure has changed as follows: Fair Average weak Poor Good Increase Increase Decrease Decrease No 16,7 % 17.8% 4.4% 17.8 % student It is obvious from the chart that applying the techniques and some types of writing exercises improve the students’writing ablity Such experience is very effective and meet the demand of the text book in teaching and learning’s objectives Students find the lessons easier, they are highly motivated to improve their writing skills and writing competence in terms of enriching vocabularies, increasing creativity, arranging sentences and organizing ideas As a result, the students’ scores are getting higher in comparison with that before applying these techniques Therefore, I wish to recommend the teacher be creative in selecting and using an effective and appropriate technique and the kinds of writing exercises in the writing classroom so that students can be motivated and interested in learning writing II The colleagues’ comment: - On appoval of most of what I had done, my colleagues suggested that I should create more exercises to encourage students to build up their source of vocabulary for each topic This is very precious suggestions that I will, in the near future, try my best to fullfil the study C CONCLUSION I Conclusion Writing, one of the productive skills, through with students can convey and express their own ideas and make them become good thinkers Besides, writing 23 helps students learn other skills Therefore, the importance of writing is undeniable In the process of studying the reality of teaching and learning writing at Le Loi high school, the attitudes of the teachers and students towards teaching and learning writing, the difficulties facing the teachers and students were studied The results from the research reveal the present teaching and learning writing at Le Loi high school are far from satisfaction The students face five main problems at writing class: the low level of English proficiency, low background knowledge, low motivation, teachers’ assistance and time limitation The research also shows the teachers face many problems such as the low level of English proficiency, low motivation, low background knowledge of the students, time limitation, their inexperience of teaching the new textbook, large and multilevel classes as well as lack of necessary facilities So as to improve the situation, every effort has been made to present some useful writing experience which hopefully can be employed to help the students at Le Loi high school improve their writing skill II Suggestion Considering the results obtained in this study and discussions in the previous parts, there are several suggestions that the writer would like to present For the teacher: - English teachers are suggested to apply some effective techniques mentioned above in writing activities as one of techniques used in teaching writing - Teachers are suggested to be more creative and innovative in using various kinds of interesting teaching techniques which accompany the materials, so that the students will be more active and encouraged to learn in the class For the Students - Students are suggested to apply some effective techniques mentioned above in the process of writing - Students are suggested to practice as many as possible types of writing exercises mentioned above in the process of writing - Only by reading more, enriching the source of vocabulary and knowlege can they control what they write - Students are suggested to write more by applying the technique so they will be more skillful in writing In conclusion, at the high school level, teaching and learning writing play an important role to help students fully develop their language knowledge and skills However, teaching and learning writing skill, especially writing paragraphs should be varied, more flexible and enjoyable Therefore, with this innovative experience I hope to make small contribution to help teachers and students in my school in particular, and at numerous schools in general overcome 24 the difficulties in teaching and learning writing skill and making it more efficiently In my opinion, there are no methods or techniques that show absolute usefulness for the teaching unless the teacher can stimulate his/ her students and arose student’s interest in learning And what I hope to in this research is teaching better and finding the success in educating Due to the short time as well as limited knowledge of the author on this matter, the subject can not avoid limitations which need adding and commenting I would like to listen to the comments of all colleagues so as to make my subject more complete! * I hereby acknowledge that this study is mine The date and findings discussed in the thesis are true, used with permission from associates and have not been published elsewhere I sincerely thank you! COMMENTS AND ASSESSMENT OF THE SCIENCE COUNCIL Tho Xuan, June 8th, 2016 The writer: Le Thi Minh Hao 25 REFERENCES Byrne, D (1979) Teaching writing skills London: Longman Gu Yue Gou (1999) English Teaching Methodology Beijing: Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press Harmer, J (2004) How to teach writing Malaysia: Pearson Education Limited Practical handbook of language teaching (David Cross) A course in language teaching - Practical and Theory (Penny Ur) Cambrige university press Teacher book, new text book 11 published by The Ministry of Education and Training 7.Phương pháp dạy tiếng Anh Trung học phổ thông (Nguyễn Hạnh Dung) English language teaching Methodology of The Ministry of Education and Training How to write a paragraph - Le Thi Thu Suong 26 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page A - INTRODUCTION I The reasons for choosing the theme II The objectives of the paper…… ………………… III The scope of the paper……………………………………………… IV The methods of the paper………………………………………… 1 2 B - CONTENT I.Theoretical background Definitions of writing……………………………………………… Writing a paragraph II Practical background 11 The writing objectives and required writing tasks listed for students in the textbook 11……………………………………………………… 11 The teacher’s and students’ attitudes towards the teaching and learning of writing paragraphs.……………………………… 12 The investigaton of the students' paragragh writing skills………………… 13 III The sollutions……… …………… … 13 Applying some effective techniques to help students get the ideas in teaching writing skills to the 11 grade students……………………… 13 Providing students with useful exercises to help them pratice writing paragraphs…………………………………………… … 16 IV The discussion 11 Results after applying the research in teaching…………………………… 22 The colleagues' comment.……………………………… 23 C- CONCLUSION I Conclusion…………………… … 24 II Suggestions……………………………………………………………………… 25 27 ... exercises to practice writing paragraphs as well Applying some effective techniques to help students to get the ideas in teaching writing skills to the 11 grade students 1.1 Techniques in pre -writing. .. Brainstorming Using brainstorming in the first stage of writing lessons is very useful I would like to suggest some ways to organize brainstorming * From group to whole class - Step 1: I state... creative in selecting and using an effective and appropriate technique and the kinds of writing exercises in the writing classroom so that students can be motivated and interested in learning writing