Document Type
Article
Publication Date
Fall 2023
Abstract
With all of the urgent, critical issues confronting education in general, and literacy practices in particular, why write a column on something as obscure as word choice? Word choice (sometimes called vocabulary choice or diction) often drops to the bottom of the “To Do” list for English as a Second Language (ESL), English, bilingual, and language arts teachers. Even when teachers are able to focus on writing to begin with (writing development is often the first thing cut when lessons run over), teachers of English language learners (ELLs) are too preoccupied with teaching grammar, spelling, organization, syntax, genres, and building background knowledge to spend even a moment on word choice! Also, teachers may conflate teaching vocabulary words for reading comprehension with teaching students how to choose— and use—the best possible words in writing.
Recommended Citation
Lems, K. (2023). Word Choice: A Key but Neglected Skill for ELL Writers Illinois Reading Council Journal 51(4), 74-77.
Included in
Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education Commons, Elementary Education Commons, Elementary Education and Teaching Commons, Junior High, Intermediate, Middle School Education and Teaching Commons, Language and Literacy Education Commons, Other Teacher Education and Professional Development Commons