Using the internet to develop writing skills in ESP

Abstract

The vast amount and great variety of current and readily available materials on Internet can be exploited to provide input in a contentbased writing course, and to integrate reading and writing skills. This paper explores the integration of Web-based activities into a contentbased ESP course. It discusses the underlying pedagogical principles on which an ESP writing course should be based, and examines how the Internet offers the opportunity to design meaningful activities related to the goals and objectives of the course. It is proposed that Internet should be used to help students take more control of their learning and to promote attitudes which lead to autonomous learning. Finally, some examples of Web-based activities are offered, which aim at raising the students’ awareness of audience and context and at helping them improve research and writing skills.