Tips from Sylvie
Part 2: Essay Writing
Some children have lots of ideas
but are unable to organize them into a text.
They don’t know how to outline.
So here are Sylvie’s tips:
1. Before Writing an Essay or Composition: Preparation, Instructions, …
Describe the expected narrative structure.
For example:
– an introduction and the initial situation,
– a triggering or disruptive event,
– the plot twists,
– the conclusion or resolution.
Explain the grading scale and criteria.
Provide sample essays or clear examples.
Option: Work in half-class groups.
Provide a specific list of the elements required in the text, whether in terms of style, subject matter, or text structure.
For example:
Style: 1 question, 1 exclamation, and 1 comparison.
Organization or outline: the introduction, the number of paragraphs, the conclusion, the length of the text, and the number of examples required to illustrate the ideas.
Required level: write a simple or more complex text.
Sylvie’s top tip:
Inspire your students to write
To do this, you can have them reflect, discuss, and debate the following topic:
Why are some stories very successful while others are less so?
2. Written Composition or Essay Writing
How can you work on your writing style?
- You can show examples.
- You can draw a parallel with music and rhythm.
- You can give two sentences that mean the same thing but have a different impact, and then choose the one you prefer and explain why.
How can you improve your syntax?
It’s very difficult; you have to read a lot.
How should you organize your text?
Create a detailed outline, because you need to know where you want to go.
A mind map helps you visualize the sequence of events or ideas.
The teacher can sit with the students, read their work as they go, discuss it with them, and guide them through the process; the teacher can advise them to explore certain avenues or help them narrow down their ideas.
Sylvie’s top tip:
Write what you’d like to read!
3. Correction and Restitution
Take the time to grade the papers in detail, using color-coding if necessary.
Set aside one class period for feedback to thoroughly explain the comments and have students review both their papers and the comments.
Always start with “That’s great!” or another positive comment at the beginning, then point out areas for improvement.
Read or have students read the best essays or paragraphs aloud in front of the whole class.
Offer students who are interested additional, ungraded writing assignments as practice.
Sylvie’s top tip:
The more you write, the better you get!
