Jump to content

Menu

How do you improve writing style?


Recommended Posts

I had a writing coach take a look at dd's writing sample (an essay on Macbeth) she did this spring for a local literature writing class. The writing coach said dd had a good command of mechanics and good content, but I think she needs to work on style. The coach said she could help dd with improving her writing style. But, this fall semester I already have dd signed up for a local persuasive writing class. So, I'll will have to wait to use the services of the writing coach till January. But, in the meantime, I'd like to get ideas on what I can do at home to improve dd's writing "style". Any ideas? Any curriculums that do this? I'm assuming writing style means writing in an engaging way? keeping the readers interest? Am I right?

 

Any thoughts our ideas on what I can do at home this fall to help with writing style would be great! (Btw, dd will in 9th grade this fall)

 

Thanks!!

Sangita

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Teaching Writing Structure and Style (excellenceinwriting.com) would be my first start...you can get SWI-C and go through it in 4 days (files available on their yahoo group IEW-families) then go from there....I think this program is a great parts to whole type of teaching and I was really against such a formulaic approach initially but I've seen the writing improve substantially in families that stick with it.

 

Tara

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Teaching Writing Structure and Style (excellenceinwriting.com) would be my first start...you can get SWI-C and go through it in 4 days (files available on their yahoo group IEW-families) then go from there....I think this program is a great parts to whole type of teaching and I was really against such a formulaic approach initially but I've seen the writing improve substantially in families that stick with it.

 

Tara

 

Tara,

Thanks for the help. We've never used IEW and had a few questions -

1) Do I need to purchase the TWSS Dvds?? (they are price prohibitive right now). Or would simply using the SWI-C be OK?? (would I be able to follow IEW methodology w/out TWSS).

 

2) I didn't know dd could get through SWI-C in 4 days! I thought it was a program that lasted for a few months - can you explain?

 

3) Also, what type of files am I looking for on the IEW-Families yahoo group?? Can you give me the exact name of the yahoo group? thanks!

 

4) I also have a 7th grader that I will be teaching writing at home. Can I use SWI-C for both my 9th & 7th grader?

 

5) After SWI-C what's next?? I'm a little confused by the IEW website! So much to look at....

 

Thanks very much!

Sangita

dd(14),dd(12),dd(9),ds(6)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've no personal experience with it, but I was reminded that Veritas Press recommends the following book Style: Lessons in Clarity and Grace by Joseph Williams.

 

I'm not sure how it compares to the far less expensive (and somewhat shorter) book by the same author entitled Style: Toward Clarity and Grace.

 

Regards,

Kareni

 

Hi Thanks for the links to the books. I'll check our local library if I can borrow them. They look wonderfu.

 

Sangita

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Tara,

Thanks for the help. We've never used IEW and had a few questions -

1) Do I need to purchase the TWSS Dvds?? (they are price prohibitive right now). Or would simply using the SWI-C be OK?? (would I be able to follow IEW methodology w/out TWSS). )

 

I believe you would..I have both and really SWI was actually filmed in 2 days with homeschooled students...he did the entire 15 lessons in 2 days...so yes, you can do it in 4....I just like to not be so intense..a lesson a week is easy..SWI does have videos with it as well...you can usually buy the videos for it for around $55...then just buy the ebook online for $10 and make extra copies.

 

2) I didn't know dd could get through SWI-C in 4 days! I thought it was a program that lasted for a few months - can you explain?

 

 

Answered above...if you can ever find someone who will let you borrow their TWSS DVD's..you reallly only need to see them once to 'get it'...I do refer back to them but only when I'm teaching multiples and want to make sure I'm not forgetting any tips.

 

3) Also, what type of files am I looking for on the IEW-Families yahoo group?? Can you give me the exact name of the yahoo group? thanks!

 

There is a link on the iew website that gives you the links, I would just put in IEW-Families and it should pull it up for you on yahoo..under their files section they have it broken down into SWI-A, B, C, TWSS helps, High school writing helps, grammar helps etc. Really it took me 2 weeks to go through them all...those ladies are wonderful!! They make it so easy to do your job!

 

4) I also have a 7th grader that I will be teaching writing at home. Can I use SWI-C for both my 9th & 7th grader?

I have looked at the material for both B and C...if you're 7th grader is advance in reading and has a strong grasp for grammar I would choose C..if your 9th grader really has not had much structure in composition, I would go with B.

 

5) After SWI-C what's next?? I'm a little confused by the IEW website! So much to look at....

One of the ladies has created a 15 week to the Elegant Essay, if your children are college bound I would recommend this in preparation for the essay portions now required for college entrance exams...I also think you would love the Medieval portion of their theme packs...American History is receiving raves as well...depends on how in depth you want to go, maybe for me I would do Medieval and then the following Fall pick up the Elegant essay just so they get a bit of a break and not so intense...the Elegant essay covers many essay forms and there could be a bit of research which I would hold off until your 7th grader is a bit older. HTH!!

 

Tara

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest jessyto27

How do you improve writing style? Well on my opinion, if you are going to improve your writing style, start with the basics. Experiment and come up with your own guidelines for writing.

Edited by jessyto27
Link to comment
Share on other sites

3) Also, what type of files am I looking for on the IEW-Families yahoo group?? Can you give me the exact name of the yahoo group? thanks!

 

5) After SWI-C what's next?? I'm a little confused by the IEW website! So much to look at....

 

 

Here is the IEW yahoogroup: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IEWfamilies/

Here is the IEW buy and sell group (I think you have to have joined the families group before you can join the buy/sell)l:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IEWFamilies-Items_for_Sale/

 

IEW can be expensive, but there is a huge demand for used material, so the "sticker price" is not as bad as it seems.

 

Where you go after SWI-C may depend on whether you like the DVD-approach. If you do, you might consider SICC-C. It is the "continuation course" (w/DVD's) and can be spread out over a year. The theme-based curriculum is mom-taught -- with plenty of help for mom.

 

The IEW yahoogroup is a terrific place to get your questions answered. There are so many files, and so many experienced users who will jump in and give you their advice and experience.

 

Good luck!

Edited by Brigid in NC
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just be careful if using IEW. My ds started out with this many moons ago and it did jumpstart his writing, but later, when he cared more about style, he had some bad habits to break. One book that helped him was Elements of Style. I'm sure there are others; but I just know he likes to tell me to have his sister read it every year and she'll be all set. :001_smile:

 

As for IEW, tread lightly. If I had to do it all over again, I would not have had my ds learn something just to have to unlearn it later (who/which clauses and overuse of adverbs come to mind!) and I would have realized sooner that many, many other writers have excelled in their craft way before IEW ever existed. At least my dd will never count her 'dress-ups' just to get enough to pad a paper. ;)

 

Remember this is just another opinion (a minority one at that); your experience could be very different from ours. :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just be careful if using IEW. My ds started out with this many moons ago and it did jumpstart his writing, but later, when he cared more about style, he had some bad habits to break. One book that helped him was Elements of Style. I'm sure there are others; but I just know he likes to tell me to have his sister read it every year and she'll be all set. :001_smile:

 

As for IEW, tread lightly. If I had to do it all over again, I would not have had my ds learn something just to have to unlearn it later (who/which clauses and overuse of adverbs come to mind!) and I would have realized sooner that many, many other writers have excelled in their craft way before IEW ever existed. At least my dd will never count her 'dress-ups' just to get enough to pad a paper. ;)

 

Remember this is just another opinion (a minority one at that); your experience could be very different from ours. :)

 

Thanks for your opinion - its always go to hear another opinion :bigear:

I actually was going to buy Elements of Style - by Strunk & White. I'd love to know what writing curriculum do you use with your dc ?

 

Thanks!

Sangita

dd(14),dd(12),dd(9),ds(6)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I actually was going to buy Elements of Style - by Strunk & White. I'd love to know what writing curriculum do you use with your dc ?

 

 

I like Elements of Style, but another gem of a book is The Lively Art of Writing by Lucile Vaughan Payne. It is such a practical little book. Kids can immediately apply the teaching to their writing -- and they like that. :001_smile:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I like Elements of Style, but another gem of a book is The Lively Art of Writing by Lucile Vaughan Payne. It is such a practical little book. Kids can immediately apply the teaching to their writing -- and they like that. :001_smile:

 

Thank you! I'll be sure to look that one up in our library!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

 Share

×
×
  • Create New...