Classroom EFL Writing: The Alignment-Oriented Approach

This paper outlines the alignment-oriented approach in classroom EFL writing. Based on a review of the characteristics of the written language and comparison between the product-focused approach and the process-focused approach, the paper proposes a practical classroom procedure as to how to teach EFL writing. A follow-up empirical study is conducted in classroom writing assignment to illustrate the alignment-oriented approach. Results show that learners show great interest in their reading materials. Besides, learners report being greatly influenced by their reading experience in their writing process, for instance, their lexical choices, writing coherence and tense usage. In this alignment-oriented approach, several factors should be paid great attention to, such as appropriate selection of materials and relevant task perception. It is hoped that this proposed approach can provide insights and implications to other EFL teachers and promote more in-depth studies in EFL writing research.