Students must understand that meaning arises from individual words, phrases and images in a text. To help them recognize this, have them annotate a sample text. Many students will not be familiar with the idea of annotation, so give them specific tasks to complete, such as defining unfamiliar words or references. Summarizing main ideas in their own words helps students check their comprehension and understand how a piece of writing builds meaning. If the sample text is a story or poem, have students point out any literary techniques they find, such as foreshadowing. Annotating a text not only keeps students engaged in active reading, but it also teaches students the kinds of details they should pay attention to in order to uncover meaning.
Many students miss meaning because they do not pay attention to details in writing. To teach them greater sensitivity to word choice and tone, find two sample articles that address the same idea from opposing viewpoints. In small groups, have students find specific words or phrases that indicate what side of the argument the writer is supporting. From specific words, students can move on to analyzing the examples, evidence and sources the writers use to support their stances. Encourage students to consider how these individual aspects reveal meaning.
Creating outlines is a classic method for teaching students about structure because it helps them understand the arrangement of what they read, as well as the arrangement of their own writing. Begin by outlining a text as a class. For literature classes, Freytag’s Triangle is an easy way for students to chart the significance of events in a work. Freytag’s model uses a triangular diagram to record important points in a story’s plot, including the exposition, rising action, climax and falling action. By placing events in the diagram, students can understand why particular events are important to the development of a work’s plot and themes. For nonfiction writing, such as argumentative essays, identifying the thesis, main points and evidence used to support those points demonstrates to students that the arrangement of an argument is essential to its clarity and power.
Introduce students to common writing modes like description, sequence, cause and effect, comparison and contrast and problem and solution structures, describing the purpose of each. Review sample paragraphs that demonstrate one of the modes so students can understand what language and content is appropriate for what kind of mode. After the review, have students use the models to write their own paragraphs. By learning about these modes, students will learn that the purpose and structure of their essays must work together to shape an essay’s content.