Writing - Speed Writing

Speed writing has three key features.

1. Students focus on content rather than on language.

2. Students do not worry about making mistakes or using complicated grammar.

3. Students don't stop writing until the time is up.

This can be used as a preparation activity for a normal-writing task or a speaking task or it can be used as a regular activity. It can be motivating for students to monitor and record the number of words they can write during a session and this can improve their attitude towards writing in general.

Procedure

1. Tell learners to turn to the speed writing section of their notebooks and to have a pen ready on the desk.

2. Stick a picture on the board, or play a piece of music.

3. Give learners 2 minutes to look at the picture/listen to the piece of music.

4. They must now take their pens and notebooks to start writing.

5. Tell them not to worry about accuracy at all.

6. They have a 2-minute limit to write as much as possible. 

7. They must put their pens down when you tell them.

8. Count and record the number of words written.

You can repeat this activity on a regular basis. 

Optional: they can now decide how to organise what they have written, correct, rewrite or delete sections. What they have written can also be the first stage of the writing process (generating ideas).