ELL Reading and Writing Skills Flashcards
6 cards from real ELL practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 ELL Reading and Writing Skills flashcards as text
What is 'academic writing' in the context of ELL instruction, and why is it a challenge?
Answer: Formal, discipline-specific writing using text structures, academic vocabulary, and argumentation unfamiliar to many ELLs
Academic writing requires ELLs to master formal register, discipline-specific text structures, and conventions that differ from both their home language and everyday English.
Which approach helps ELL students understand the organizational structure of different text types (narrative, expository, argumentative)?
Answer: Explicit text structure instruction using graphic organizers and mentor texts
Explicit instruction in text structures using visual organizers and model texts helps ELLs recognize and replicate the organizational patterns of different genres in their own writing.
What is 'sustained silent reading' (SSR) and what limitation does it have for beginning ELLs?
Answer: SSR allows choice reading but may not benefit beginning ELLs who lack the decoding skills or vocabulary to read independently
While SSR benefits more proficient readers, beginning ELLs often lack the vocabulary and decoding skills needed to read independently and gain comprehension, limiting the effectiveness of unguided SSR.
How does 'interactive writing' support ELL literacy development in early stages?
Answer: Teacher and students co-construct a written text, sharing the pen and discussing language choices
Interactive writing has teachers and students collaboratively compose and write a shared text, making literacy decisions explicit and giving beginning ELLs supported access to the writing process.
What is the significance of 'authentic writing tasks' for ELL motivation and development?
Answer: Writing for real purposes and audiences increases ELL motivation and produces more meaningful language development
When ELLs write for genuine purposes and real audiences (e.g., letters, blogs, school newsletters), motivation increases and language use becomes more intentional and meaningful.
What is 'extensive reading' and how does it differ from 'intensive reading' in ELL instruction?
Answer: Extensive reading involves wide, self-selected reading for pleasure; intensive reading involves close study of shorter, teacher-selected texts
Extensive reading builds vocabulary and fluency through large quantities of self-selected, enjoyable texts, while intensive reading develops close-reading skills through careful analysis of short, complex passages.