One of the most civilized nations in history, China has a long-standing
writing tradition and many Chinese texts have become world treasures.
However, the way the Chinese teach writing in various countries in
contemporary times is little known to the outside world, especially in
Western countries. Undoubtedly, the Chinese have had an established
traditional method of writing instruction. However, recent social and
political developments have created the perception amongst both
practitioners and researchers of a need for change. Whilst certain
socio-political changes, both in Mainland China and in the territories,
acted as agents for reform of the teaching of composition, the shape
these reforms are taking has been due to many different influences,
coming both from inside the countries themselves and from foreign
sources. Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore have each
developed their own approach to the teaching of composition.