Which strategy would best help ELLs improve their writing skills?

Focusing on feedback based on specific, targeted areas is highly effective for improving the writing skills of English Language Learners (ELLs). This approach allows teachers to identify the particular strengths and weaknesses in a student's writing, enabling tailored support that addresses their unique challenges. By providing constructive feedback on specific elements—such as grammar, sentence structure, or vocabulary usage—teachers can help ELLs understand how to improve their writing in manageable steps.

This strategy also encourages a growth mindset, as students can see their progress over time when they receive ongoing, focused feedback. Rather than overwhelming ELLs with broad critiques or complex lessons that may not directly address their individual needs, targeted feedback empowers them to make clear and measurable improvements in their writing.

By contrast, other strategies may not effectively support ELLs’ development. For instance, encouraging longer paragraphs too soon might lead to frustration without a solid foundation in writing skills. Frequent grammar lessons alone might not translate into practical improvement if students do not have ample opportunities to apply what they've learned in context. Daily journal writing could be beneficial for practice but may not provide the kind of detailed guidance necessary for skill advancement without targeted feedback.