Which writing approach explicitly involves students writing together to complete a task?

• A. Note-taking
• B. Independent writing
• C. Silent reading
• D. Collaborative writing

Answer: (D)

Collaborative writing is when students write together to complete a task, sharing responsibility for the final text from planning through drafting and revising. In this approach, the group discusses purpose, audience, and structure, decides on roles or takes on fluid responsibilities, and negotiates meaning as they compose. The emphasis is on joint authorship, not solo work, so students practice communication, listening, and how to give and receive feedback while shaping the writing as a team. This period of shared decision-making helps students see how language works in context and how revision can improve clarity and coherence for a real audience. For example, a group might co-create a class magazine article, starting with a brainstorm, drafting sections together, and then revising based on peer input. In contrast, note-taking focuses on individual recording of information, independent writing is done by one student alone, and silent reading is about reading rather than composing. Collaborative writing best captures the idea of writing together to complete a task.