Introduction:
Modelled writing is an important technique used in essay writing where the writer analyses an exemplary text and uses it as a framework to model their own writing around. By mimicking the structure, style and language patterns of strong examples, novice writers can learn the conventions and improve their writing abilities. This essay will discuss the key aspects of modelled writing, its benefits for learners, and provide a practical example of how to structure an essay modelled after a source text.
Understanding modelled writing:
At its core, modelled writing involves selecting a well-written piece of text that serves as an exemplar for the writer to emulate. This source text should be on a similar topic or genre to what the writer aims to produce. The writer then conducts a close reading of the text to analyze its different components such as introduction, body paragraphs, conclusion, flow of ideas, vocabulary and style of writing. Paying attention to subtle techniques like transitional phrases, linking sentences and the overall structure gives the writer a framework to follow for their own work. Simply copying content is discouraged, the goal is to internalize best practices and produce new, original writing informed by the model.
Benefits of modelled writing:
There are numerous advantages for learners who engage in modelled writing exercises. It serves as a scaffolding technique that reduces the cognitive load for novice writers. By following an established structure, they can focus on developing ideas rather than worrying about organization. Modelled writing also familiarizes students with discipline-specific conventions and styles accepted within the academic community. This socializes them into discourse norms. The exposure to sophisticated vocabulary and expressions in the exemplar text expands students’ active vocabulary and exposes them to usages they may not have considered otherwise. Assessing a professional piece alsoimplicit learning as students intuit patterns, syntax and development without being explicitly taught. The guided imitation allows for low-risk experimentation that builds writing fluency and self-efficacy with practice.
Example of modelled writing:
As an example, consider modelling an essay after this source text analyzing hero archetypes in classical mythology:
The source text has a clear introduction outlining the topic and thesis, two body paragraphs fleshing out different hero archetypes with examples, and a conclusion that summarizes key points. Following this structure, here is how a modelled essay could be written:
Introduction:
Hero archetypes have fascinated storytellers for millennia. From Odysseus to Hercules, ancient myths featured heroes who embodied certain traits and undertook epic quests. This essay will analyze two dominant hero archetypes commonly seen in Greek and Roman mythology – the warrior and the trickster. Each fills an important role and teaches moral lessons through their journeys.
Paragraph 1:
The warrior hero was a mainstay of classical epics. Figures like Achilles and Theseus epitomized heroic combat skills, immense bravery and physical prowess. They fearlessly fought monsters, villains and even gods to protect humanity. They also demonstrate the Achilles heel of excessive pride and individualism that blinds them to the greater good at times. Their adventures teach important lessons about honor, defending the helpless and finding inner strength in the face of overwhelming odds.
Paragraph 2:
The trickster hero takes a more unconventional approach through cleverness and wit rather than brawn. Heroes in this mold include figures like Odysseus and Prometheus. They rely on brains over brawn, outsmarting their opponents through cunning tricks and acts of deception. While this gets results, it also comes with moral dilemmas, as demonstrated when Odysseus blinds the cyclops Polyphemus. Nonetheless, their stories illustrate the power of intelligence, resourcefulness and gaining victories through non-physical means.
Conclusion:
Whether through combat skills or cunning tricks, hero archetypes play an important role in classical mythology by undertaking epic quests and teaching broader moral lessons. Both types face their own trials with flaws as well as triumphs in defending virtue and justice. Examining these archetypes continues to fascinate modern audiences and reveals timeless truths about human nature, courage, morality and what it means to be a hero.
This modelled essay follows the same basic structure and organization as the source text, hitting the required introduction, two body paragraph and conclusion components while developing original ideas within each section. While not an exact imitation, it applies the scaffolding of the exemplar to discuss related topics in a structured academic manner. This allows the writer to focus on generating new content within a proven framework, improving their skills through guided practice following a model.
Conclusion:
Modelled writing is a valuable learning technique for novice writers. By closely analyzing exemplary sources, writers gain an implicit understanding of conventions while reducing cognitive demands. Imitating successful structures acts as a low-risk form of experimentation that builds fluency over time. Modelled writing familiarizes learners with discipline-specific styles and exposes them to sophisticated language. Overall, it serves as an effective scaffolding method for generating original work informed by professional examples. When implemented thoughtfully, modelled writing can significantly improve student writing abilities.
Andrew Stroud