The key problem with young writers is they get stuck with their (unorganized, random, repetitive) first draft and can’t find a way to see it, element by element, and rearrange or cut each element as needed.

Why do they get stuck? A linear template that makes each section look the same; a template without enough space to separate sections, edit, erase, make notes, etc…..

computers that make it easy to type before thinking (once it’s typed, it’s hard to edit it); writing in pen (too hard to erase).

Antidotes to that:

• Lincoln and his cardboard cutouts (one with each thought)–shuffling them around to construct the perfect Gettysburg Address.
• Pencil is Mightier than the pen–erasability!
• Templates that separate out each element/section: Topic Sentences separate from Sentences with Evidence or Examples… Divide and conquer the paper bit by bit, reexamine it often: does this TOPIC sentence fit the first Topic? Does the SUPPORTING sentence belong in this TOPIC/section? etc.