A Literary Lens for each selection focuses students’ attention on one key learning objective, giving purpose and direction for reading, writing, and discussion. Each anthology also has a grade-specific focus such writing workshops (Pathways), research (Reading the World), author’s style and literary movements (American Voices), and critical reading and thinking (British Literature).
Each selection contains a Literary Lens focusing attention on a specific ELA skill designed to improve student' ability to draw meaning from the text. Through supported reading, discussion, and writing tasks, students practice and apply the targeted skill both on their own and through small groups.