Writing assignments developed for regular education students can also be used with students who are learning English as a second language. Writing at first about topics that are familiar to ESL students will allow them to develop their writing skills for more difficult assignments. The level of the ESL writing assignments will depend on the students' language acquisition and their grade level.

Elementary ESL Writing Assignments

Family Writing

Students can be asked to write about their family (who makes up their family, how many, what individual family members are like, what type of work they do, what their home looks like). Students will be able to use a combination of pictures, letters, words (in both languages) and numbers. Students may use webs, mapping, T-charts and lists to plan their writing.

Descriptive Writing

Students can be asked to write a description of their home now or the home they moved from. The writing may include pictures and words (in both languages) but needs to paint a picture in the mind of the reader. Descriptive words should be expected. Students should be encouraged to use webs, mapping, T-charts and lists to plan their writing.

Intermediate ESL Writing Assignments

Short Story

Students can be asked to write a short story, using their personal background knowledge and including the literary elements of setting, characters and events. The story needs to include a beginning, middle and end. Students should use brainstorming, mapping or webs to plan their stories.

Model Writing

Students can be asked to write short expository compositions using models for compare/contrast, cause/effect and problem/solution that include an introductory statement, supporting details and a conclusion. Students should use brainstorming, mapping or webs to plan their compositions.

Advanced ESL Writing Assignments

Autobiography Project

Students can be asked to complete an autobiography using a variety of genres, including letters, poetry and expository writing. Each genre should include accurate descriptions, effective transitions and figurative language. The autobiography project may focus on one or more parts of their life. Students need to use brainstorming, mapping, webs or outlines to plan out their projects.

Research Writing

Students can be asked to write a research paper using a current event problem (U.S. or world). Students will use a thesis and supporting facts and ideas. They will use the research techniques of note taking, outlining, citing and summarizing in developing their paper. The paper should explain the problem, what solutions are currently in place and what their ideas are for solutions to the problem.