• Exercises should have a set time limit, ask the learners to write for five or ten minutes.

• The tutor will say something to the effect of, "when I say, 'Begin,' put your pen on paper, write whatever comes to mind, and keep going. Keep your pencil moving, always forward, never look back and never stop to correct anything. Tell your inner critic to get lost. If you are stuck, write 'I'm stuck,' or anything - even nonsense words - until a new idea comes. Keep writing whatever comes to mind, and let it take you wherever it wants to go. I'll let you know when time's up. Any questions? Now begin."

• The tutor will time the exercise and let the learners know when time expires. This free-writing technique is a very effective tool often used to stimulate learners who have difficulty writing. Other avenues to explore include using photographs from magazines, calendars, and newspapers. Blank cartoon strips are good too.

This free-writing technique is a very effective tool often used to stimulate learners who have difficulty writing. Other avenues to explore include using photographs from magazines, calendars, and newspapers. Blank cartoon strips are good too.