(CTET / TET English Language Pedagogy Notes)
Writing skill is one of the four basic language skills. It plays an important role in communication and learning. Writing helps learners express ideas clearly and accurately. It also helps in preserving knowledge.
In language teaching, writing is closely related to listening, speaking, and reading skills.
Importance of Writing Skill
Writing skill is of great importance in education.
First, writing helps learners to organise their thoughts. Learners think, plan, and arrange ideas before writing.
Second, writing develops mental discipline. Learners brainstorm ideas, draft sentences, and revise their work.
Moreover, writing gives clarity and precision to thoughts. Ideas become meaningful when they are written clearly.
Francis Bacon rightly said that reading makes a full man, conference a ready man, and writing an exact man. This shows that writing improves accuracy.
Writing is also a problem-solving skill. The writer decides what to write and how to write.
In addition, writing strengthens reading and speaking skills. It supports overall language development.
Without writing, it is difficult to preserve knowledge. Writing helps learners remember and revise what they learn.
Characteristics of Good Handwriting
Good handwriting makes written work clear and readable. It helps the reader understand ideas easily.
Letter Style and Uniformity
A uniform letter style should be followed. Letters may be vertical or slanting. Vertical style is considered better.
Legibility
Handwriting should be neat and clear. Letters must be easy to read.
Spacing
There should be proper spacing between letters and words. This avoids confusion.
Size
Letters should be of moderate size. They should be proportionate to each other.
Simplicity
Letters should be simple. Extra strokes, loops, or tails should be avoided.
Preparatory Steps for Teaching Writing
Before writing letters and words, learners need preparation.
Free-Hand Drawing
Learners draw shapes freely on large sheets. This develops hand movement.
Controlled Drawing
Learners draw shapes within lines. This improves control and accuracy.
Acquaintance with Written Forms
Learners are introduced to capital and small letters. They learn correct letter shapes.
Techniques of Teaching Writing
Different techniques are used to teach writing effectively.
Over-Writing
Learners trace letters or words written by the teacher. This helps in letter formation.
With the Help of Blackboard
The teacher writes on the board. Learners copy it in their notebooks.
Copying a Line
Learners copy a complete line. This improves neatness and uniformity.
Copying a Paragraph
Learners copy short paragraphs. This helps in learning punctuation.
Teaching Writing Drill and Penmanship
Penmanship training improves handwriting.
First, learners practise free-hand drawing.
Later, they practise writing letters.
This training improves muscular control. It also increases concentration and observation power.
Copying Text
After mastering handwriting, learners copy short texts.
The text should not be long.
Copying should be slow and careful.
This improves writing and reading skills. It also improves punctuation accuracy.
Teachers should check the work carefully. Learners should avoid scribbling.
Transcribing / Transcription
Transcribing means writing speech or thoughts in written form.
Learners may transcribe words or sentences.
Dictation can also be used.
Their written work should be checked. Mistakes should be corrected.
Composition
Composition is the expression of ideas, thoughts, and feelings in written form.
It includes:
- Essays
- Letters
- Stories
- Poems
- Descriptions
Composition helps learners organise ideas logically. It improves vocabulary and communication skills.
Unity and logical sequence are important in composition.
Approaches to Teaching Writing
Different approaches are used in writing instruction.
Guided Writing
The teacher provides guidance and feedback. This helps beginners.
Controlled to Free Writing
Learners move from sentences to paragraphs. Finally, they write freely.
Free Writing
Learners write without fear of mistakes. The focus is on expression.
Paragraph Pattern
Learners study model paragraphs. Then they arrange sentences correctly.
Grammar-Syntax Organisation Approach
Learners focus on grammatically correct sentences.
Communicative Approach
Learners write about real-life experiences. Learning happens by doing.
Process Approach
Writing is taught in stages:
- Pre-writing
- Writing
- Post-writing
Teaching of Spellings
Correct spelling is necessary for accurate writing.
Wrong spelling creates confusion. It affects meaning and clarity.
Causes of Wrong Spellings
English spelling is irregular. Pronunciation and spelling do not always match.
Same Letter, Different Sounds
Some letters have different sounds in different words.
Silent Letters
Many words contain silent letters. Learners often miss them.
Homophones
Some words have the same sound but different spellings.
Methods of Teaching Spellings
Drill Method
Learners memorise word lists. This method is mechanical.
New Drill Method
Words are selected from the text. Still, it depends on memorisation.
Incidental Method
Spellings are taught during reading. This improves understanding.
Play-Way Method
Learners form new words through games. This method is interesting.
Transcription Method
Learners copy spellings from the board or books. This helps visual memory.
Dictation Method
Dictation corrects spelling mistakes. It fixes spellings permanently.
Dictionary Method
Learners use dictionaries to learn spellings and meanings.
Final Words
Writing skill develops accuracy, clarity, and confidence.
Proper handwriting, spelling, and writing methods are essential.
Effective teaching of writing ensures complete language development.
