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The Essential Guide to
Language, Writing, & Literature

Grades 6–12

Complete grammar, composition, and literature handbooks

Students can reference essential grammar and usage rules; composition guidelines and models; and literary information all in one place!

These are handbooks that students can use for middle school, high school, and beyond.

Features and Benefits

information is presented in a straightforward, succinct format for ease of use
one handbook for grades 6 to 8 and one for grades 9–12—saves money
more coverage of grammar and composition than any other handbook available
an extensive literature section with literary terms, milestones, genres, and tips for literary analysis
6 Trait writing and process writing are applied throughout the composition section
skillbooks for each grade level provide practice in language, vocabulary, and test-taking skills

Middle School Overview

Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics

Eighteen chapters of rules, guidelines, and models, including A Writer’s Glossary of Usage

Six Traits and the Writing Process

Thirteen chapters explore the six traits of good writing; personal writing; writing to inform, explain, describe and persuade; writing about literature; and more.

Skill Building

Six chapters discuss critical thinking and reading, study and test-taking skills, vocabulary development, spelling strategies, and speaking and listening.

Literature

Examines how to study literature, famous quotes and characters, mythology and folklore, literary terms and genres, and more.

Complete table of contents

High School Overview

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.

Communication

Four chapters explore communication for college and the workplace, communication in the digital age, and speeches and presentations.

Skill Building

Four chapters explore vocabulary, critical thinking, spelling, and study skills and test-taking.

Literature

Examines milestones in literary history, literary masters, literary genres, literary terms, the 100 most recommended literary works, and more.

Complete table of contents

Student Skillbooks

Grade-level skillbooks have extensive practice activities that align with the content of The Essential Guide to Language, Writing, & Literature.

Grammar, Usage & Mechanics

Skills activities provide practice for the language chapters in the handbook.

Test Preparation

Practice activities prepare students for taking high-stakes tests.

Vocabulary and Spelling

Thematic lessons provide context for commonly-used vocabulary words.

Multiple activities to help students internalize meanings.

Spelling lessons are included only in the grades 6, 7, and 8 skillbooks.