Chain Writing

Objective: To reduce inhibitions about writing; to develop spontaneous writing

Steps:

1. Have your students form small groups of no more than four. Each student needs a pen, and each group needs one piece of paper. It is a good idea to remind students of useful expressions and write these on the board.
2. The first student begins by writing the first sentence. He or she then passes it on to the student on the right, who writes the next sentence. Students should work as a team and help each other.
3. The students continue until they have written a short composition.
4. Finally, the students should read it together in their group and try to improve it.

Example: The following example is for New Interchange 2, Unit 2: "Caught in the Rush." The Writing exercise appears on p. 10 of the Student's Book.

Useful Expressions (On the Board): Example Composition (Including Errors):

Adaptation: This activity is easily adapted to any Writing exercise in New Interchange except for personal stories (for example, describing your childhood).

Variation: Have all your students write at the same time. In this case, each student in a group has a piece of paper and starts writing at the same time. Students then pass the paper to their right and receive another piece from their left. They continue the composition they have just received. Finally, have the group read all the compositions and decide which one they like the most and explain why.