Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics
Twelve chapters on the parts of speech; phrases; clauses; using verbs, pronouns, adjectives, and adverbs; capitalization; punctuation; and more.
Writing and the Six Traits
Eleven chapters explore the writing process, the six traits of good writing, writing strong sentences and powerful paragraphs, writing to persuade, writing about literature, creative writing, and more.
- Process writing
- Descriptive
- Personal
- Expository
- Persuasive writing
- Research report
- Writing about literature
- Creative writing
- Current MLA and APA guidelines
Communication
Four chapters explore communication for college and the workplace, communication in the digital age, and speeches and presentations.
- College
- Workplace
- Communication in the digital age
- Speeches and presentations
Skill Building
Four chapters explore vocabulary, critical thinking, spelling, and study skills and test-taking.
- Vocabulary/spelling
- Study skills and test-taking
- Critical thinking skills
Literature
Examines milestones in literary history, literary masters, literary genres, literary terms, the 100 most recommended literary works, and more.
- Literary milestones
- Literary masters and works
- Annotated list of 100 most recommended literary works
- Guides to literary analysis and genres
- Glossary of literary terms
Students can reference grammar and usage rules, composition guidelines and models, and literary information all in one place! This is a handbook that students can use for middle school, high school and beyond.
Features and Benefits
- one easy-to-read source for grammar and writing
- straightforward format for accessing information
- one handbook for grades 6 to 8 (middle school) and one for grades 9–12 (high school)
- comprehensive coverage of grammar and writing
- an extensive literature section with literary terms, milestones, genres, and tips for literary analysis
- 6 Trait writing and process writing are applied throughout the writing section
- skillbooks for each grade level for practicing language, vocabulary, and test-taking skills
- updates include writing in a web-based world, cyberbullying, and the latest citation styles aligned with MLA, 7th edition, and CMS, 16th edition
Teacher Guides
- student-friendly warm-up activities
- detailed notes for teaching each lesson
- direction for classroom-wide guided instruction
- strategies for differentiating instruction based on ability and learning style
- collaborative learning activities
- suggestions for integrating technology
- activities for English Language Learners
- grammar pretest and posttest for diagnosis
- workplace applications
Assessment Resources
- reproducible pretests and posttests
- chapter tests
- end-of-course tests
- rubrics
- student models