Book excerpt: Time-tested classical techniques--the imitation and analysis of great writers--combined with original composition exercises in history, science, biography, and literature The Student Workbook encourages independent composition, while the Instructor Text contains easy-to-use supporting information for the teacher, rubrics for grading, sample compositions, and dialogue to use while teaching. Together, the Student Workbook and Instructor Text provide a full year of middle-grade writing instruction, preparing students to enter high-level rhetoric. Skills Taught: One- and two-level outlining Writing chronological narratives, biographical sketches, descriptions, and sequences across the curriculum Constructing basic literary essays on fiction and poetry Researching and documenting source material First volume of four that will prepare students for high-level rhetoric and composition Features of the program: Writing assignments are modeled on examples from great literature and classic nonfiction All source material for assignments is provided—no other books are needed This Student Workbook encourages independence by directing all assignments to the student Instructor Text (sold separately) provides scripted dialogue to use when the student has difficulty, plus detailed guidance on how to evaluate the student’s work Second volume of four that will prepare students for high-level rhetoric and composition