Writing With Skill Level 1, Instructor Text

This groundbreaking writing series for middle-schoolers combines time-tested classical techniques – the imitation and analysis of great writers – with original composition exercises in history, science, biography, and literature. Scripted dialogue is provided for when students have difficulty, plus detailed guidance on how to evaluate their work. Straightforward, detailed explanations of how to construct and organize compositions prepares students for high-level rhetoric and composition. All source material for assignments is provided in the required workbook; no other books are needed.

Skills taught in Level 1 include 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; and using full sentences while texting. (The last one isn’t true; our powers are mighty but limited). We advise starting all students in Level 1.