Structures for Writing the First Draft - Secondary Level

Structures for Writing the First Draft provides a clearly-defined format that shows students how to create narrative, expository, and persuasive paragraphs and essays. Teachers can use this approach across the curriculum. For example, the expository paragraph format is as applicable to a science experiment about acceleration as to the high school English class analyzing Macbeth. The narrative format provides students with a step-by-step approach for composing a story with a clearly defined plot. By incorporating the strategies presented in Robert Pauker's Writing the First Draft, student proficiency increases in these three areas. Improved Organization Improved Comprehension Improved Communication Students learn to organize their thinking analytically in order to insure that paragraphs contain clear main ideas and in-depth explanations. In addition, students' comprehension improves because they are incorporating literal, inferential, and evaluative thinking into their writing. Students become proficient in writing coherent essays and narratives. As a result of instructing students to become proficient in the Pauker writing structures, student critical thinking skills improve markedly. Works for All Curriculum AreasDr. Pauker's strategy can be integrated into all curricular areas including math, science, social studies and English. Dr. Pauker presents examples with annotated explanations in each content area.