The genre approach to teaching writing explicitly identifies the social conventions and linguistic features of different text types. It involves familiarizing learners with model texts, analyzing texts collaboratively to identify patterns, and then scaffolding the writing process from guided to independent writing. This approach links reading to writing, teaches writing as a process, provides models for learners, makes explicit text features, and benefits learners.

1. Teaching writing
The genre approach

2. What is a genre based approach
• This approach identifies that writing is a social
activity with particular power relations and
social conventions. The approach explicitly
identifies the social and linguistic conventions
of different types of texts.
• The approach usually includes the following:
• Familiarisation, controlled writing, guided
writing and then free writing

3. Benefits of this approach
• Explicitly links reading and writing
• Ensures that writing is a process
• Provides a model for learners
• Scaffolds writing
• Makes ‘invisible’ features explicit to learners

4. Steps to follow
1. Learners given a model text
2. Text is read and analysed with the teacher
3. Patterns and linguistic features are identified
4. Teachers and learners collaboratively
construct the genre
5. Learners in groups use writing frames
6. Learners write individual genres