Writing frames are used as scaffolding tools to support learners in structuring their written work. Essentially, using a writing frame involves providing a pre-prepared outline with specific elements to guide the writing process.
A writing frame consists of a skeleton outline given to learners to scaffold their writing. This outline is designed to reduce the cognitive load associated with organizing ideas and constructing sentences, allowing the writer to concentrate more on the content and expression of their thoughts.
Functionality: How Frames Are Used
According to the reference provided, writing frames function by incorporating specific components:
- Providing Sentence Starters: The frame includes pre-written beginnings for sentences. These starters help learners initiate paragraphs or specific points within their writing.
- Including Rhetorical Phrases: Frames offer common phrases or linking words typical of the particular writing task or genre (e.g., argumentative essays, narrative stories, reports). These phrases help connect ideas smoothly and maintain an appropriate tone.
By providing a few sentence starters and some rhetorical phrases common to the task or genre, frames give learners a structure that allows them to focus on expressing their thoughts.
In practice, using a writing frame means presenting this structured outline to a learner. The learner then fills in the gaps, expanding on the provided starters and phrases to complete the sentences and paragraphs with their own ideas. This method supports learners in understanding the conventional structure and language of different text types.
