Learners do not necessarily transfer their skill in writing from what they can do in their own language. In the case of young learners, they may not have developed their writing skill, even in their own language. Writing is probably the most personalized, creative activity in the language class. By developing their writing skills early, young learners are making a valuable investment for their future studies. Writing gives learners the opportunity to find ways of expressing their ideas in a foreign language.
Writing gives learners the opportunity to try out the language with plenty of thinking time.
A learner's writing gives the teacher a good opportunity to diagnose grammar and vocabulary problems and to identify progress. Writing allows learners to practise new structures in an extended context. Writing can provide more variety in classwork. In many classes, attention to writing is very limited. The teacher gives the learner a title or a topic.