Systemic text analysis: a potential instruction tool in the ESL writing classroom

Systemic Textual Analysis (STA) uses a text-based approach to teaching writing based on a combination of the genre-based theory and systemic functional linguistics. Central to this approach is a teacher-learner collaborative analysis of various text types in terms of structure and texture through the use of genre analysis and systemic functional grammar. Using STA as an instruction method in the construction of the English clause types, this paper compares the pre and post instruction pieces of writing produced by an ESL undergraduate in the writing class. The marked improvement with regards to clause construction in the student's post instruction text indicates the potential of such an approach to successful ESL teaching and learning. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved