Abstract: Though second language (L2) writing research has undergone rapid development, some heated discussions in international publications do not seem to help solve the problems in China. By analyzing the nexus of international discussions and our domestic situation, the present paper identifies research space in L2 writing studies at home. International discussions include: 1) The role of the five-paragraph essay in the teaching of L2 writing; 2) Language problems in English-as-an-Additional-Language researchers’ international publications; 3) The nexus of writing development and language development; 4) Awareness of voice/identity/stance in L2 writing; and 5) Teacher feedback research and practice. Some critical thoughts in this paper might have implications for L2 writing research, teaching and teacher development in China.