William C. McDonald (Charlottesville) p.91-119
2007 Issue 3
Abstract
Internet short-texts (IST), approximately 250 words in length, are a ready, but underused, resource for enhancing second-language writing skills. Here we discuss the implementation of such short-texts from the dwworld.de and Yahoo! International websites both as prototypes for written discourse in the target language and as a bridge to free-writing. In allowing students to choose the model texts for adaptation within a stable master-site, the instructor encourages productive Internet surfing, the object being to acquaint learners with a wide range of topics, stylistic registers, and authentic written communication.