This article argues that English-Chinese rhetoric research is predominantly text-based and largely constrained to rhetorical (Ba Gu Wen) and cultural (Confucianism) explanations. The current ecological and interdisciplinary analytical frameworks used to examine the relation between English-Chinese rhetoric need to expand by integrating more disciplines in applied linguistics (e.g., pragmatics, register variation) and sociocultural studies (e.g., political science, psychology). Read More

Much research focuses on the impact of effective feedback on student writing, yet less attention is paid to students’ reaction to innovative feedback practices such as comment-only marking (COM) in EFL contexts. This article investigates the extent to which the use of COM may benefit or impede students’ learning of writing. Read More

This prewriting activity can be used with all language learners at any age or proficiency level. A template worksheet is provided, and the author outlines a general format for introducing and using this motivational tool. Suggested adaptations for different learners and educational contexts are also provided. Read More

Critical thinking has become an integral part of the TOEFL iBT (Internet-based test) writing section. Hence the teaching goals involve engaging thought-provoking topics to motivate students, attempting to understand and to limit resistance to higher-order thinking, and helping learners think outside of the box to pass the test. Learn more about how to achieve these goals. Read More

The fourth edition of Fundamentals of English Grammar by Betty Azar and Stacy Hagen is now more complete than ever. The features we love, such as grammar charts, now share space with other activities designed to develop the four skills and make classes more interactive. Read More

This article reports on a colloquium titled "Linguistic Minority Immigrants Go to College: Preparation, Access, and Persistence," which was held at the March 2011 AAAL meeting in Chicago. The panelists used a variety of methodologies ranging from case study to analysis of a national educational study to examine factors facilitating and hindering linguistic minority students’ transitions to college in the United States. Read More

This article reports on two half-day ESL workshops offered at the 2011 Conference on College Composition and Communication in Atlanta, Georgia. The two half-day workshops discussed culturally and linguistically diverse writers in writing courses and writing centers. The strong turnout at this year’s workshops indicates that more teachers and researchers in “mainstream” writing studies are growing increasingly interested in issues of multilingualism and globalization. Read More

This article summarizes the 2011 TESOL Convention panel entitled “Teaching English Using Historic Speeches by People of Color” and discusses its usefulness for the SLW classroom. The panel introduced teaching materials that focused on critical thinking and rhetoric and that addressed colonization, representation, and race relations as part of an effort to appeal to Black ESOL students and celebrate Black historical figures. Read More

This report aims to assist second language writing professionals and other interested parties by providing an overview and brief discussion of the rather large body of scholarly work published on second language writing in 2010. Read More

SLWIS offered three special sessions: an Academic Session on assessment and placement and InterSections with the Secondary Schools Interest Section (SSIS) and Non-Native English-Speaking Teachers Interest Section (NNESTIS). If you missed these sessions, read on to get a summary of each. Read More

TESOL’s Second Language Writing IS provides a forum for researchers and educators across grade levels and institutional settings to discuss and exchange information in the area of second language writing. Join the conversation. Read More

SLW News is soliciting articles on second language writing theory, research, and pedagogy in all ESL/EFL settings. Consider sharing your ideas with SLW colleagues by submitting a piece for the next issue. Read More