How do you teach composition writing to your English class?

I prefer mind mapping to generate ideas and encourage the flow of ideas, but it is better if students choose the topic themselves .Then we choose the nicest topic sentence and after that the body and the conclusion.

Writing is a powerful instrument of thought. In the act of composing, writers learn about themselves and their world and communicate their insights to others. Writing confers the power to grow personally and to effect change in the world.

Hi Nicholas, it's all in the word: "Composition" ie. composing, building, putting together. In my younger days (that tests my memory!!), I was taught to write a composition in three distinct sections:

Introduction                            - catch the reader's attention and "lead" them into the story.

Text                                        - the main "substance" of the story.

Conclusion                             - the finale, what it all led up to, "wrapping" it up etc.

A simple formula but it can be built on with creativity and imagination.