Plan for a reader, then revise

1 · Learn

Decide who will read your work and what you want it to do. A younger pupil may need a clear explanation of a new word; an expert may not. Plan related ideas into paragraphs before drafting.

A plan can change while you write. Reread to check that each paragraph develops its focus and connects with the next. Revision improves meaning; proofreading checks spelling and punctuation afterwards.

2 · Worked example

For a visitor's garden guide, I plan paragraphs on where to enter, what to notice and how to protect the plants. I avoid unrelated facts that distract from the visitor's needs.

3 · Your turn

Plan three headings for a guide to borrowing classroom books. What should a new pupil learn from each?

4 · Apply your learning

Draft the guide, ask a partner to use it, then revise a confusing step. Proofread separately before making a final copy.