The 4th Reflective Journal of TLL

According to me, writing is one of the hardest skills even more in English. If we want to have good writing skill, we have to practice it a lot. We cannot have good writing skill instantly. We need to conduct our idea and English which is very hard. We should master English first then, it can help us in conducting our idea in writing. The problem is sometime we are strong in speaking but weak in writing, so it is about talent or interest. Nowadays, we have technology which could help us a lot in improving our writing skill. Step by step, we can sharpen our writing skill by learning the process of writing itself.

Based on Raimes (1991) the focus of second language writing has changed but it can still give effect on today’s writing skill. in 1960s writing was viewed as a means of reinforcing speech patterns but in 1980s till present as a text understood by the reader. There are also some approaches that can be used to L2 writing instruction. One of them is Form-focused approach, this approach includes two types. Those are Grammar-based and Discourse structure-based instruction. This emphasize on accuracy. I am going to relate this approach with myself. I am in progress in acquiring English and this approach demands the correct grammatical sentences. Sometimes, I made mistakes in grammar so that is why I am a little bit afraid of writing.

Once more, I am glad to know that there are so many websites which can provide us easier way to learn writing. In Grammar-based instruction, we can open ESL Blues, Guide to grammar and Writing, and also Grammar Safari. There is Reader/audience-dominated Approach that gives better attention to the reader and reader expectations. In this approach there is Computer-mediated communication (CMC). It is online discussion forums and email exchange projects, we can discuss something based on our interest. The examples are Dave’s ESL Cafe and Englishforums.com.

As the next generation of teachers, I can reflect it based on the perspective from the students. I am a student ,now and I know that writing is hard. I can try to teach them appropriately because writing skill is one of the hardest skills.