DEFENDS: is the acronym for a strategic approach that helps secondary students write a composition in which they must take a position and defend it (Ellis, 1994). Each letter stands for a strategic step, as follows:

Decide on audience, goals, and position

Estimate main ideas and details

Figure best order of main ideas and details

Express the position in the opening

Note each main idea and supporting points

Drive home the message in the last sentence

Search for errors and correct.⁴⁷

Semantic mapping

The learners develop a map prior to writing to organize information and questions. The center has the topic and then the learners organize their thoughts around the topic by addressing the key questions: what, when, where, how, who, why.⁴⁸

Sentencing combining

Use a graphic organizer for the content such as semantic mapping. Take each word or item and write a sentence on an index card. Next, organize the sentences by topic or subject. For each topic, prioritize the sentences as to which one should come first. Then prioritize the topics and input the information either by entering it into a computer or by handwriting.

Editing

This process of reviewing is not automatic for adults with learning disabilities. They not only need to be taught about what areas to edit, but some learners may also need to utilize cues because they do not easily see their own mistakes.