Second Language Writing
Overview | General Resources | Creating & Responding to Assignments
Overview
As noted in the CCCC Statement on Second Language Learning and Writers, second language writers "may have difficulty adapting to or adopting North American discursive strategies because the nature and functions of discourse, audience, and rhetorical appeals often differ across cultural, national, linguistic, and educational contexts." Helping second language learners become strong writers in English requires an awareness of the specific needs of such students and the ways in which we, as teachers, can most effectively and constructively respond to their writing.
This section provides general resources regarding second language learners as well as resources to help create and respond to writing assignments for such students.
General Resources
CCCC Statement on Second Language Learning and Writers
(Jan. 2001, revised Nov. 2009)
Conference on College Composition and Communication (CCCC)
Includes:
- Part One: General Statement
- Part Two: Guidelines for Writing and Writing-Intensive Courses
- Part Three: Guidelines for Writing Programs
- Part Four: Guidelines for Teacher Preparation and Preparedness
- Part Five: Considering L2 Writing Concerns in Local Contexts
- Part Six: Selected Bibliography
English as a Second Language
Source: The Institute for Writing & Rhetoric, Darmouth College
Official Description: "This page is intended both to sensitize you to the fundamental differences involved in working with writers for whom English is a second language (ESL), and to make some particular suggestions for helping the writer to understand these differences and so to improve his writing."
Working with International Students
Megan Siczek,, English for Academic Purposes Program (EAP), The George Washington University
Creating & Responding to Assignments
Resources from the Univ. of Toronto Writing:
Assigning Writing
The ESL Writing Initiative, Univ. of Utah
Responding to Writing
The ESL Writing Initiative, Univ. of Utah
General Tips
The ESL Writing Initiative, Univ. of Utah
Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) English as a Second Language
Purdue OWL