English Communication Skills Text Package (Chapters 1-5)

This course covers parts of speech, origins of common English words, basic sentence structure, parts of a sentence, phrases, clauses, commonly misused words, prefixes, suffixes, figures of speech, homonyms, homophones, homographs, synonyms, antonyms, typing keyboards, punctuation, literary genres, history of writing, cursive writing, handwriting, informal letter writing, formal letter writing, compare/contrast, note-taking, powerpoint presentations, sentences, paragraphs, essay construction, writing process, listening skills, speech, and critical thinking skills.

Available for this course: Full Course Kit (includes print Chapter Texts, Activity Books, and Teacher Resource Kit as well as a free digital download of the TRK). The Chapter Texts, Activity Books and Teacher Resource Kit can also be purchased separately.

"Designed to be self-teaching." These are magic words for many homeschoolers particularly at the high school level. And while this curriculum has many positive characteristics, its self-teaching aspect is sure to rank high. But don't overlook the other positives: broad coverage of grammar, usage, and mechanics, vocabulary, literary elements, and composition as well as encouraging and character-building anecdotes and principles. Although utilizing a black and white format, the graphics are well designed and interesting.

The Chapter Texts (pages vary from 50 to 70 pgs) follow a pattern: vocabulary, vignette illustrating a life principle, and teaching segments. All straight-forward and easy to complete. The Activities Books are consumable with reading comprehension questions from the vignette, a vocabulary exercise, and several exercises reinforcing the Text's teaching segments. Most course Chapters contain 15 lessons divided into three Sections. Quizzes follow each Section with Tests for each Chapter. Students are expected to check their own work in the Activities. As an incentive, if they score 85% or better on the Section Quizzes (graded by parent/proctor), they may not be required to take the Chapter Test.

The Teacher's Resource Kit provides answers to activity questions as well as copies of the Section Quizzes and Chapter Tests along with their answers. The TRK also includes helpful, professional forms such as a Transcript Planner, Academic Contract, and Academic Goal Chart - all with directions for use. Included with the TRK is a digital access code to a pdf version.

Full Course Kits include the Texts and Activities books for all five chapters as well as the Teacher Resource Kit (printed plus digital access). ~ Janice

Please note: There are some miscellaneous items from older editions that are still available and can be used with the newer edition [TRK on CD-ROM (content is identical to the printed version) or Texts on CD-ROM].

These materials offer complete coverage of both writing and grammar.