Abstract
This pedagogically-oriented workshop is comprised of a series of activities based
on a combination of cognitive and metacognitive strategies that enhance the writing
processes of ELLs attempting to write persuasive essays. According to research within
the field, the STOP and DARE strategies (Graham & Harris, 2005), combined with selfmonitoring and goal setting strategies, provide ESL and EFL teachers with a clear and
structured set of guidelines that facilitate the process of teaching and learning how to
write. Participants will be led in applying the STOP strategy, during which time they will
experience how this strategy helps the students brainstorm and organize ideas to compose
an argumentative text. In addition, participants will collectively walk through the steps of
the DARE strategy, which guides students in developing a topic sentence, adding
supporting details, refuting arguments, and stating a conclusion. When applied, these
strategies develop awareness about the writing process, and help students to become
more engaged and independent writers. By learning how to implement the both the STOP
and DARE strategies in the classroom, attendees will be able to teach their students how
to write a more developed persuasive essay.