What can we learn from the writing process approach

This article considers the process-oriented approach to writing and the extent to which, and ways in which, its issues have been addressed in second language classroom. The traditional product-oriented approach to writing has overemphasised the linguistic aspects of writing and the result of the composition, that is, the composed product of writing. It fails to see the complexity of the act of composing. This failure is redressed in the process-oriented paradigm which regards writing as a messy process leading to clarity. Building upon these assumptions characterising the writing paradigm shift, the article discusses the relevance of the current process approach to EFL writing classes.