Педагогические науки/5.Современные методы преподавания

Kuimova M.V.

National research Tomsk polytechnic university, Russia

Teaching writing in EFL classes

(in terms of “Letter of Application”)

I never teach my pupils,

I only attempt to provide the conditions in which they can learn.

Albert Einstein

Teaching writing in EFL classes is both arduous and rewarding. Moreover, without developed writing skills it is very hard to communicate with peers using modern gadgets and the Internet, and later it will be difficult to correspond with international partners.

Undoubtedly, letter writing is an essential skill. There exist various writing tasks: personal letter, competition entry, review, article, proposal, reference, report, essay, letter of complaint, thank you letter and so on. In this paper we are going to research the basic principles of a letter of application and give some practical tips.

In general, effective writing skills teaching should include the following steps:

1) students should be encouraged to read more;

2) practice with English grammar and vocabulary through varied exercises (gap fill exercises, sentence building exercises, etc.);

3) creative writing (picture description, composition, etc.) [2, 4].

While teaching writing letters, a lecturer should explain students their aim and structure. The main aim of any job application is to be selected for an interview. Thus writing this letter, it is vital to highlight skills and experience that a successful candidate should have [3].

A letter of application should include the following:

1) impersonal greeting (Dear Sir/Madam. It is accepted practice to finish with Yours faithfully. Whereas, if you start with Dear Mrs Butler, you may finish with Yours sincerely);

2) opening paragraph:

· I wish to be considered for the position of …;

· With reference to your advertisement in the “Times” of August 17^th, I would like to apply for the post of …;

· I would like to apply for the above position (of chief engineer) as advertised in ..., etc.);

3) paragraph 2 (education, work experience, positions of responsibilities, skills and interests). It should say why you believe you are suitable for the job and what you can offer the company:

· I have a diploma / degree in …;

· I was awarded a scholarship …;

· As you will see from enclosed CV, I have four years’ experience in …;

· At present I am employed as a …;

· I am used to working under pressure / working to a deadline …;

· I have considerable experience working as a …;

· I am a motivated professional with a variety of skills and experience …;

· I feel I have necessary qualities for this job because ...;

· Since I work with … I have developed …;

· I am interested in … / I am very good at …;

· I have excellent communication skills and …;

· I am broad-minded / motivated / responsible / confident / resourceful / creative / persistent / mature / honest / respectful / trustworthy / sociable / hard-working …, etc.;

4) closing paragraph. It should tell the reader when you are available for an interview and how to contact you:

· I am available for interview at any time;

· I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my suitability for this interesting position in person;

· Please let me know if I can provide you with any further information or need to complete an application form;

· Please contact me if you require further details;

· I look forward to meeting with you to discuss my application further, etc.

5) complimentary close (Faithfully / Sincerely yours, Signature) [1, 5].

To sum up, it should be noted that correct strategy, concrete examples help to organize the process of teaching writing to even low proficient EFL students and achieve good results.

References:

1) Ainsworth P. Get that teaching job: how to write a winning application http://www.guardian.co.uk/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2012/oct/31/teacher-training-tips-write-winning-job-application (accessed March 13, 2013).

2) Dray S. How to Teach Writing to ESL Students. http://www.ehow.com/how_4464065_teach-writing-esl-students.html (accessed March 13, 2013).

3) Griff Th. How to get shortlisted for a teaching job http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=6008055 (accessed March 13, 2013).

4) Joseph Ch. Activities for Improving Writing Skills. http://www.ehow.com/list_6293217_activities-improving-writing-skills.html (accessed March 13, 2013).

5) Writing application letters http://elc.polyu.edu.hk/elsc/material/Writing/appln.htm (accessed March 13, 2013).