Which strategy best supports ELLs during writing assignments?

Using sentence stems to aid writing is an effective strategy for supporting English Language Learners during writing assignments. Sentence stems provide a structured framework that helps ELLs formulate their thoughts and improve their writing skills. This technique offers a starting point, making it easier for students to express their ideas without feeling overwhelmed by the demands of writing in a new language. It also encourages language use in context, promoting vocabulary acquisition and grammatical structures.

By incorporating sentence stems, teachers enable ELLs to participate in writing tasks more confidently and competently. This structured approach can help students focus on content and organization while reducing the cognitive load associated with producing written language. Additionally, it fosters a sense of achievement as students can create meaningful responses using the prompts provided.

In contrast, options such as allowing free writing without guidance may not provide the support that ELLs need, as they might struggle to express their ideas clearly. Providing feedback only at the end does not reinforce learning throughout the writing process and may leave students unsure about how to improve their work. Lastly, focusing solely on grammar correction can detract from the overall flow and meaning of writing, discouraging ELLs from taking risks and using the language creatively.