It is very true that it is always easier to write about something you know well, like about your life and personal experiences. When the topic is not familiar to students, then they need to do research to stimulate their writing. It is important to show ELLs how to do research and how to use it, so students start getting more confident and less scare about a blank paper.
Response to Ana Villanueva
I am happy that my students in physical education class are not the only ones that complain about writing in class that is not English language arts. Even teachers and principals do not realize that in PE students need to read and write. Sometimes they act surprised when we ask for paper, pencils, whiteboards, and folders for