Writing & Rhetoric Book 6: Commonplace Student Edition

Writing needs to be taught just like any other subject, and letting students be "free" to write without a model is often letting them jump in the deep end without learning to swim first!

Writing & Rhetoricassumes students learn best by first reading excellent literature and then imitating those writers. Students who complete the entire program will learn to write narrative, expository, descriptive, and persuasive essays while developing their own unique style. Each exercise is designed to teach a skill that can be employed across all subjects. Skills are arranged from simple to complex, and the cumulative nature of each chapter reviews skills from earlier in the book, helping students to build a solid foundation of writing skills.

Commonplace, the sixth book of twelve in the Writing & Rhetoric series from Classical Academic Press, continues to develop of the art of persuasive writing and oration. Students will learn to create six-paragraph essays that argue against the common vices of people and argue in favor of common virtues. For example, cowardice and boasting are criticized while courage and humility are commended. Students will also learn to support a thesis statement, use comparison and contrast, use a rhetorical device known as "the contrary," and more.

Lessons start with the reading selection, and are followed by the student's narration of the story in the "Tell in Back" portion of the lesson. The "Talk about It" section provides students with questions that require personal application and critical thinking. "Go Deeper" questions are multiple-choice questions that cover writing concepts and vocabulary in the piece. "Writing Time" exercises integrate editing, rewriting, storytelling exercises, and other writing assignments.

Non-reproducible pages, softcover. Consumable workbook. NIV Scripture used. This workbook is part of the Writing & Rhetoric curriculum and is the sixth book in the series; it is designed for grades 5-6 or up. Covers 1 semester.