Which set of practices supports writing development according to research-based strategies?

• A. Pre-writing only; no drafting
• B. Word processing only; writing spontaneously
• C. Free writing without guidance
• D. Word processing, sentence combining, process writing, inquiry strategies, pre-writing, and model

Answer: (D)

Writing development grows strongest when instruction combines planning, drafting, revising, and making ideas visible through supportive strategies. Pre-writing helps students generate ideas, clarify purpose and audience, and organize thoughts before they begin. Process writing emphasizes drafting and revising through multiple cycles, which builds how ideas are arranged and how sentences flow. Modeling gives explicit examples of strong writing, so students can see genre features, tone, and structure in action. Sentence combining strengthens syntax and fluency by teaching how to weave ideas together into more complex sentences. Inquiry strategies connect writing to research and evidence, giving work purpose and credibility. Word processing supports drafting, editing, and revising, making it easier to refine writing.

Together, these elements form a cohesive, scaffolded approach aligned with research on how students learn to write. Relying on just one aspect—like only planning, or only typing—misses the integral practice, feedback, and iterative refinement that drive real improvement.