Cohort Class Writing

Here you can find activities to practise your writing skills. You can improve your writing by understanding model texts and how they're organised.

The learning materials in this section are written and organised by level. There are different types of model texts, with writing tips and interactive exercises that practise the writing skills you need to do well at school, get good marks in your tests and exams, and get more out of your free-time activities.

Take our free online English test to find out which level to choose. Select your level, from beginner (CEFR level A1) to advanced (CEFR level C1), and improve your writing skills at any time and at your own speed.

Who should join a writing group?

• Those who aren’t very confident in their writing (this is a safe space to have limited expertise)
• Those who are very confident in their writing (this is a great test audience for high-stakes writing)
• Those with little experience sharing their writing (this is a great opportunity to develop feedback skills)
• Those who appreciate the value of feedback (this is a great opportunity to elevate your feedback skills)

What happens in a writing group?

Small groups (4-6 writers) meet for a hour every week with an English Language Specialist who facilitates the group. Groups may be disciplinary or inter-disciplinary. Each week:

• One or more members share a draft of something they are writing
• They ask 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?)
• Group members ask questions, respond to the text, make suggestions for clarification or revision
• The facilitator teaches writing techniques, strategies, and grammar points where appropriate

Please note: The facilitator’s role is not to teach a writing “class” but to guide the group toward productive discussions about their writing. Ideally, writing groups become high-functioning and autonomous over time.

Who can join a writing group?

Students and scholars who speak English as an additional language, including graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, and visiting scholars working on any kind of writing–course papers, dissertation chapters, article manuscripts, reading reflections, job docs, conference posters–any kind of writing!

Students and scholars whose educational culture is not North American, regardless of first language.

Spouses, non-academic staff, and community members are not eligible to participate in writing groups.

When can I join a writing group?

Anytime! Join at the beginning of any semester you’re here at LMS. There’s no limit on the number of semesters you can participate in writing groups. Some students participate in writing groups from their first semester of course work until they defend their dissertations. Some join for a while, take a break, and then rejoin in a subsequent semester.

Some groups work together for several semesters or even years! Groups are scheduled every semester according to the participants’ availability.