10 THINGS EVERY WRITER NEEDS TO KNOW

By Jeff Anderson. Whether writing a blog entry or a high-stakes test essay, fiction or nonfiction, short story or argumentation, students need to grasp certain concepts in order to write effectively. The author focuses on ten essential aspects of good writing—motion, models, focus, detail, form, frames, cohesion, energy, words, and clutter. Throughout the book, Anderson provides dozens of model texts, both fiction and nonfiction, that bring alive the “ten things.” By analyzing strong mentor texts, young writers learn what is possible and experiment with the strategies professional writers use. Students explore, discover, and apply what makes good writing work. A chapter is dedicated to each of these ten things, providing mini-lessons, mentor texts, writing process strategies, and classroom tips that will motivate students to confidently and competently take on any writing task. Designed for grades 3–9, but recommended for grades 4–12. Stenhouse. 287 pages. ©2011.

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