The aim of this leaflet

To introduce you to some learning tips related to writing.

Some basic advice

Many of us find writing in English difficult. It seems that putting together ideas in a second language and managing the mechanics of grammar, spelling and format at the same time is no easy job. We have no magic formula here but writing can become more manageable if you break it down into a series of smaller steps. And make sure you have good planning and clear thinking.

No matter what you write, it is never a one-step procedure. You have to plan, write, edit and proofread. Many students have a misconception that the writing process ends at the point of finishing the first draft. Remember, writing includes writing and rewriting, no matter how little time you have.

Organising your self-access learning plan

With a little help from an Language Commons Adviser (and in some stages, an EWC Adviser), you can try to organise and execute your self-access writing plan. The following is one of the many approaches. Now you are in charge – you can shape the plan according to your learning styles and needs.

Steps we might want to go through

Needs analysis

Do a brief needs analysis. Ask yourself what kinds of writing you want to learn or improve. And also ask yourself: ‘Why?’, ‘How much time do I have?’ and ‘What outcomes do I expect?’.

• Formative assessment
  • Make an appointment with an EWC Adviser and ask him/her to comment on your writing skills.
  • Use existing CALL software, e.g. AutoLANG
• Analysis of writing
  • Analyse a sample of the kind of writing which you aim at learning
  • Analyse a sample of your own writing

Constructing a self-access writing plan

In the plan, you should include the following areas:

• learning methods
• time management
• resources

Getting started

The best way to get started is to make an appointment with one of the Language Commons Advisers and show him/her your self-access plan. S/he will give you all the tips you need.

Taking action

• Recording actions: log sheets, worksheets, evidence of work, meetings with an Language Commons Adviser
• Recording reflections: learning journals, emails/meetings with an Language Commons Adviser
• Writing portfolio: recording work and showing progress
• Evidence of what you have learnt: a piece of writing, a stack of learning cards etc.

Reviewing learning

At this stage, you should be:

• evaluating your self-access plan
• evaluating your performance and commitment
• assessing your learning outcomes
• thinking about possible revisions to your plan.

Evaluating writing

• Do a writing test, for example, using the Laser Disc material Testing Connection, or AutoLANG.
• Discuss your writing/ learning outcomes with an Language Commons adviser or make an appointment with an EWC consultant.

And Now…

If you would like any help or advice, or just a chat about your progress, please get in touch — we are here to support your independent learning! This is how you can contact us:

• see an Adviser, on duty at the Language Commons Advice Desk (for details of advisers and their availability, please go to http://lc.ust.hk/~sac/sacadviser.html)
• e-mail lccommons (lccommons@ust.hk) with your query;
• ask at the reception counter of the Language Commons — if the receptionist cannot help you directly, s/he will pass your query on to one of the Language Commons advisers

Note

The introductory leaflet in this series is Improving your writing (W1).

This advice sheet is part of the Writing series of leaflets supporting language learning, produced by the HKUST Center for Language Education Language Commons team. This advice sheet was written by Elza Tsang, Oct 2001. Version 2. If you copy from this advice sheet, please acknowledge the source. Thanks.