Stages of teaching writing

Stages of Teaching Writing
(Pedagogy of English)

1. Model Writing

Meaning

Model Writing is the initial stage of teaching writing in which the teacher presents a correct and well-structured sample of writing for learners to observe.

Objectives

• To provide a clear example of correct writing
• To introduce structure, vocabulary, and mechanics
• To reduce fear and hesitation among learners

Role of the Teacher

• Selects an appropriate model
• Writes or displays the model clearly
• Explains format, grammar, and punctuation

Role of the Learner

• Observes the model carefully
• Understands organization and structure
• Identifies correct language use

Classroom Procedure

• Teacher presents the model text
• Reads and explains it
• Highlights key features

Example: Teacher writes a paragraph on “My School” and explains sentence formation and punctuation.

2. Guided Practice

Meaning

Guided Practice is the stage where learners write with the help and guidance of the teacher through prompts, hints, and questions.

Objectives

• To help learners apply the model
• To build confidence in writing
• To minimize early errors

Role of the Teacher

• Provides prompts and guiding questions
• Supports sentence construction
• Encourages participation

Role of the Learner

• Writes with teacher support
• Responds to guidance
• Practices sentence formation

Classroom Procedure

• Teacher gives outlines or sentence starters
• Asks guiding questions
• Students complete sentences

Example: Teacher asks: “How will you begin?” Student writes: “My school is very big.”

3. Controlled Exercises

Meaning

Controlled Exercises are restricted writing activities where learners write within fixed linguistic limits.

Objectives

• To ensure grammatical accuracy
• To practice sentence patterns
• To reduce mistakes

Role of the Teacher

• Designs structured exercises
• Gives clear instructions
• Checks responses

Role of the Learner

• Follows given patterns
• Focuses on correctness
• Completes tasks carefully

Classroom Procedure

• Teacher gives exercises
• Students complete them individually
• Answers are discussed

Example: Change into past tense: “She goes to school.” → “She went to school.”

4. Error Correction

Meaning

Error Correction is the stage where mistakes in learners’ writing are identified and corrected.

Objectives

• To improve accuracy
• To develop editing skills
• To prevent repeated errors

Role of the Teacher

• Marks errors sensitively
• Encourages self-correction
• Provides constructive feedback

Role of the Learner

• Identifies mistakes
• Corrects errors
• Learns from feedback

Classroom Procedure

• Teacher underlines errors
• Students correct them
• Correct forms are discussed

Example: “He do his homework.” → “He does his homework.”

5. Independent Writing

Meaning

Independent Writing is the final stage where learners write freely without teacher support.

Objectives

• To encourage creativity
• To test mastery of writing skills
• To develop confidence and fluency

Role of the Teacher

• Acts as a facilitator
• Provides topics
• Evaluates written work

Role of the Learner

• Chooses ideas independently
• Organizes thoughts logically
• Writes confidently

Classroom Procedure

• Teacher gives a topic
• Students write independently
• Teacher assesses the work

Example: Write a paragraph on “A Festival I Like Most.”

Conclusion

The stages of teaching writing follow a gradual progression from teacher guidance to learner independence.

Model Writing → Guided Practice → Controlled Exercises → Error Correction → Independent Writing