In 2025 IEW published a brand new product, Strengthening Structure: Models for Teaching IEW Structural Units. Andrew Pudewa has often stated that while the stylistic techniques may be flashy and fun, the structural models are the strength of the Structure and Style® method. Strengthening Structure provides instructors with an easy-to-use reference for each structural unit.
Each unit section begins with an article that explains the purpose of that unit. Following the article is the model poster. Each section ends with exemplars at each level (A, B, and C). Because these exemplars focus on structure, stylistic indicators have been omitted. These exemplars have helpful annotations pointing out the parts of the model. Developed and tested in IEW Online classes, these models have been invaluable to the instructors in providing clear expectations.
Strengthening Structure: Models for Teaching IEW Structural Units can be used as a reference, a review, and a refresher. Because this is a valuable resource, it is included in every Teaching Writing: Structure and Style seminar package. Classroom teachers or tutors who own Strengthening Structure can print copies of the reproducible exemplars for their students. (Each teacher is required to purchase his or her own book.) Finally, as you return to each unit year after year, Strengthening Structure allows you to refresh your memory if you do not have time to rewatch each Teaching Writing: Structure and Style video.
As IEW Online instructors have taught classes this year, they have been reading through this resource and discussing each unit. Each instructor brings the viewpoint of having different students and teaching different levels, but each instructor’s feedback points to the strength of the structure.
As the school year approaches, I am glad to have the opportunity to read through these pages. The title reminds me first that there is always a structure. The plan is key. We often think of this in terms of helping the “Blank Page Student.” However, it is just as vital for the ones who have all the words and could begin without a plan. I am encouraged afresh to really take the time to talk about the KWO and the actual use of it throughout the year. Especially as students get further along in the process, they think they have it locked in their heads and do not use it as effectively. I am also reminded of the importance of planning and then testing. This is also a tool to take to the college class or work place. We all have to speak of what we are reading or doing. Make a plan. Test the plan. Use the plan. – Kelley H.
Preparing for this week's Unit 5 lesson, I appreciated the focus on telling “what you see” in the picture. I overemphasize this concept during class by pointing to my eyes and asking students, “What do you actually see with your eyeballs in this picture?” They get a kick out of my exaggeration and the concept seems to stick! – Jaime K.
Reading through the Unit 6 information helped me prepare for class today. It helped me explain the importance of limiting facts, and the idea that the paragraph must support, prove, and illustrate the topic sentence. As we moved through the process of choosing facts from source outlines, I also encouraged my Level A students to evaluate how the facts they choose work together as sometimes they can create compilations that are a bit awkward or disjointed at the beginning. I encouraged them to work with their editors to get a good “flow” of the facts and to read out loud while proofreading. Thankful again for this great resource. – Melanie M.
Spiral-bound for easy reference, this handy guide will support effective instruction of each unit. It also includes three free downloads.
- Strengthening Structure Exemplars PDF
- What Are We Really Doing Here? e-audio
- From Copywork to Composition: Teaching Writing through Imitation e-audio
“The power of the method is in the structure.” Strengthening Structure: Models for Teaching IEW Structural Units is the tool to help teachers showcase this power to their students.
by Danielle Olander
