Not Losing the EFL Plot: L2 Engagement through Literature (Reading Circles) and Producing Short Stories (Creative Writing Circles)

Reading and writing stories (literature) can be an effective way to engage students’ L2. Pedagogically, teachers are looking for ways to increase L2 input, and amplify L2 output. Because of the communicative nature of acquiring language, teachers are equally looking for collaboration among students to increase the usage of their L2 language. This paper proposes studying literature through Reading Circles and creating plot-focused short stories within a Writing Circles structure. It will theoretically establish the value of literature circles and creative writing circles in the EFL context, and share how language teachers can implement them.