Integrating Communicative Writing in Early Undergraduate EFL Courses: A Didactic Proposal

Abstract

[eng] The appearance of the communicative writing approach leads to innovation in the teaching field. This paper aims at explaining this approach and revising previous studies on the state of the writing skill in Spain and Europe. In addition, a survey was sent to the English Studies undergraduate students from the University of the Balearic Islands to check their interests and problematic aspects of writing. Results suggest that this approach may be well received because of the interest on authentic materials and on group work. Two activities have been designed using this methodology. The first uses real advertisements to develop a pros and cons essay, whereas in the second a section of pictures work as a cue to write an opinion essay in groups. Both tasks aim to promote the introduction of this approach for first-year students of the degree. These lesson plans take into consideration the topics that the participants preferred the most. Finally, this paper encourages further research on this methodology regarding motivation, group involvement, and its potential to improve students’ writing skills.