Some experience in helping grade 11 students at Le Loi upper-Secondary school to improve their paragraph writing skills

Some experience in helping grade 11 students at Le Loi upper-Secondary school to improve their paragraph writing skills

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 12th 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 .

 

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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 12th 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 3 periods per week. 
IV. THE METHODS OF THE PAPER.
	The writer did some steps to do this research, they are as follows;
- surveying the literature relating to do 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
1. 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.
2. 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 do they do? 
They give details to develop and support the main idea of the paragraph.
How do 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 do 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.
Examples
Write a paragraph describing what a polar bear looks like.
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
Effect
because
therefore
since
thus
as a result of
consequently
is due to
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 1. 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 2. Open your notebook. Write out your answers to the above questions. You do 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 3. 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 4. Write down your own ideas. Ask yourself: 
What else do I want to say about this topic? 
Why should people be interested in this topic? 
Why is this topic important?
Step 5. 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 6. 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 1. Open your notebook and word processor.
Step 2. Write the topic sentence, supporting sentences, and closing sentence.
Step 3. Write clear and simple sentences to express your meaning.
Step 4. Focus on the main idea of your paragraph.
Step 5. 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:
Step 1. Make a paper copy of your paragraph.
Step 2. Show your work to your teacher, tutor, or parents.
Step 3. Ask them for hints on how to improve your writing.
II. PRACTICAL BACKGROUND
1. The writing objectives and required writing tasks listed for students in English textbook 11, Education Publishing House.
The aim of the course is to equip students with English writing skill for basic communication. For grade 11 students, the objective is to develop students’ abilities to provide 100 - 130 word paragraphs on familiar topics. 
In order to realize the course objectives, the writing section focuses on daily and popular topics. The required competences and objectives of the writing lesson in each unit are detailed in the following table: 
Units
Required tasks
1. Friendship
Writing about a friend
2. Personal experiences
Writing a personal letter to describe a past experience
3. A Party
Writing an informal letter of invitation
4. Volunteer work
Writing a formal letter expressing gratitude
5. Illiteracy
Describing information in a table
6. Competitions
Writing a letter of reply
7. World Population
Interpreting statistics on population from a chart
8. Celebrations
Describing a celebration’s activities
9. The Post Office
Writing a formal letter to express satisfaction or dissatisfaction
10. Nature in danger
Describing a location
11. Sources of energy
Describing information from a chart
12. The Asian Games
Describing the preparations for the coming Asian Games
13. Hobbies
Writing about a collection
14. Recreation
Describing a camping holiday
15. Space Conquest
Writing a biography
16. The Wonders of the world
Writing a report on a man- made place
2. The teacher’s and students’ attitudes towards the teaching and learning of writing paragraphs.
It is a 

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