What is the most effective way to support an intermediate English-language learner who struggles with writing?

Providing simple sentence stems is particularly effective for supporting an intermediate English-language learner who struggles with writing because it offers a scaffolded approach to language production. Sentence stems are partial sentences that provide a structure for students to build upon, which can help them organize their thoughts and focus on content rather than being overwhelmed by the mechanics of writing. These stems serve as a guide that can enhance fluency and confidence, allowing the learner to articulate their ideas in a more coherent manner.

For intermediate learners, who may still be developing their vocabulary and grasp of English syntax, sentence stems help bridge the gap between their current abilities and more complex writing tasks. This strategy encourages engagement and can lead to improved writing skills as learners practice generating sentences using the provided structure.

While the other options might have their merits, they may not provide the immediate support needed for a learner struggling with writing. For instance, a minilesson on paraphrasing might be beneficial later on but could be too advanced if the learner is still grappling with basic sentence construction. Similarly, using memorized phrases lacks the flexibility for original thought and may not encourage more dynamic writing skills. Analyzing genres can also be useful in terms of understanding writing conventions but doesn’t directly assist the learner in producing text