ESL Writing Groups for Non-Native Speakers
What happens in an ESL writing group?
An ESL writing group consists of 5-9 writers who are working on a similar tasks. You will meet for a hour every week or two weeks with an ESL-trained group leader from the Writing Center. Writing Group meetings will be very interactive! Each week:
- one or more members share a piece of their writing (an essay, paper, proposal, assignment, article, dissertaion chapter -- your choice!) at any stage of the process (brainstorming, outline, incomplete draft, finished piece, graded/edited work);
- the writers asks group members for feedback (e.g. are my ideas clear? is the paper well organized? what confused you? is this the right word/phrase? do you see any errors?);
- the group leader might teach a new technique, strategy, or grammar point;
- some groups read and analyze published writing or peers' writing for structure, features, techniques, and language.
Who can join a writing group?
ESL writing groups are intended for non-native speakers of English and/or international students/postdocs. Undergraduate, graduate, and exchange students and postdoctoral scholars who are working on substantial writing tasks are welcome.
Writing groups are especially useful for:
- undergraduate students who would like additional support with class-related writing;
- graduate students taking coursework that involves major writing assignments;
- graduate students writing their proposals or dissertations ;
- postdocs or gradaute students working on professional writing (reports, research, articles, journals, grant proposals, books, etc.).
Please note that if you are not doing any substantial writing this semester, a writing group is not the best support for you. The Writing Center will offer classes and workshops in Spring 2010 that will better suit your needs. Please check back here in December for more details.
Visiting scholars are not elligible to participate in writing groups. Faculty and research staff may participate with special permission. Please contact the coordinator, Nigel Caplan, for more details.
How do I start or join a Writing Group?
New groups will form in January. Please check back in December, or join our email list to receive information about registering for the Spring semester.
Other Writing Support
- Most UNC students, postdocs, faculty, and staff can take advantage of the Writing Center's individual tutoring.
- If you are a spouse of a UNC student/scholar/employee, a student at another university, a U.S.-resident native speaker of English, or a community member, please see Writing Center's guide to Writing Groups for advice on starting your own Writing Group and this page of writing services at UNC.
