Decision time: Should students write alone or in pairs?

Writing in pairs:
CONS:

• There may be one worker and one slacker. 
• There may be one strong one and one weak one who doesn't get a chance
• The teacher can't see what each individual can do

PROS:

• Students learn to help and co-operate
• The strong learn to make room for the weak
• The students devlopm work ethics so that both work equally

THE CHALLENGE:
Nobody is born knowing how to work well with others.  We need to teach them using class discussions, and by trusting and supporting them when they need it.  In the end, they will learn by doing.  We can not deny them the opportunity to try on the assumption that they will do badly because then they will never have the chance to prove themselves.