Which statement best reflects a research-based approach to teaching writing?

• A. Teach techniques to plan, revise, and edit
• B. Focus exclusively on dictionary work
• C. Have students memorize long essays
• D. Assign only reading, no writing

Answer: (A)

A research-based approach to teaching writing centers on explicit, systematic strategies that guide students from planning to revising and editing. Planning helps students clarify purpose and audience and organize ideas, often with graphic organizers or quick outlines. Drafting turns those ideas into sentences and paragraphs, while revising focuses on structure, coherence, andStrength of argument, not just surface grammar. Editing then polishes language and mechanics after the bigger writing decisions are in place. This sequence—planning, drafting, revising, and editing—often reinforced by modeling, guided practice, and feedback cycles, is supported by research as the most effective way for students to grow as writers. In contrast, focusing only on dictionary work, having students memorize long essays, or assigning reading without writing misses the essential practice with the writing process that leads to improvement.