Which of the following is the best technique to teach students to produce a short essay on a contemporary topic?
- Have the students gather in small groups to discuss the topic, generate a thesis, and write introductions that they then workshop as a group (correct answer)
- Give the students an abundance of essays to take home, telling them they will produce their essays the next day
- Have the students read several model essays, both positive and negative in advance, and then have them discuss the essays in small groups
- None of these
Explanation: The best way to help students synthesize information about essay structures is to make sure that all aspects of language learning are incorporated into the process. By having students read, write, talk, and listen while composing their essays you will be developing all of their language skills, while also allowing the students to be comfortable, while combining social and solitary work.