Professional and Student Models

Published authors such as Eudora Welty, Anna Quindlen, Ernest Hemingway, and Dave Chappelle, as well as real high school students writing across the country, exemplify the categories of writing taught in each chapter.
Each professional and student model includes discussion questions about content, style, and writing techniques.

Journal Topics

Ideas for free-writing or journaling relate to the content of each chapter.
Thought-provoking topics may lead to essay topics or serve as prewriting for other essays.

Writers on Writing

Published writers inspire student writers with honest, practical quotes about language and writing techniques.

Writing Tips

The textbook gives students abundant suggestions for keeping track of ideas, coming up with topics, finding time to write, and making meaningful revisions.

Practice Opportunities

Exercises allow students to practice the writing techniques learned in each chapter.
Practice opportunities can be done individually, in small groups, or as a class.

Chapter Assignment

Chapters include guidance on prewriting, possible writing topics, and questions for revision and peer review.

Appendices End-of-text reference material includes:

Grammar handbook
Graphic organizers
Writing for the SAT and ACT
Documentation of sources

Teacher's Guide

Additional discussion questions for model essays
Advice to teachers
Activities (1-4 per chapter)
Guidelines, standards, or rubrics for grading essays

Discovering Your Voice Online Companion

http://www.emcschool.net/expcompDYV Interactive site features additional writing models, journal topics, writing activities and tips, videos, and community forums.