Description:  Students will experiment with various forms of essays to enhance and improve their writing abilities and critical thinking skills. Literature will be used to develop critical thinking and further explore writing possibilities. Following are examples that may be used of various writing forms: narrative, descriptive, illustration, process, persuasive, compare/contrast, creative, cause and effect, definition, persuasion, argument. Specific grammar and other mechanical components will be reviewed and addressed in order to build the content around the needs of the students. Assignments for the class will include reading assignments, short, weekly, written responses and 3 to 5 essays that are 2 to 5 pages in length. Students will compose outlines, rough drafts, and final drafts for each of the essay assignments.

This class uses Google Classroom as a platform for submitting work and receiving feedback. We will also occasionally be using other online platforms and tools to help facilitate discussions and the writing process itself.

Note: Although Writing 2 is formatted as a year-long class, each semester has its own syllabus and literature selection. It may be possible to add to this class at semester.  Please contact the tutor with questions

Tutor: Amanda Gonsalves has a BA in English and German from Iowa State University with a Secondary Education teaching degree. She has taught in public schools, in homeschool coops and various Bible studies. Her desire is to help students bring the light and life of Jesus into each of their contexts through critical thinking and clear communication. Mrs. G lives and homeschools in Bloomington, where she enjoys reading, creating, and spending time with her four daughters and husband.

Cost:  $259, $269 or $279 per semester (depending on registration date)
Level: Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: Writing 1 or tutor approval
Homework: 3-4 hours per week
1st Semester Book (to be purchased by the parent):

• Peace Like a River (Leif Enger) (to be purchased by the parent)

2nd Semester Books (to be purchased by tutor) :

• Short, Short Stories (Paul Negri, ed., Dover Publications)
• 101 Great American Poems (Literacy Project, ed., Dover Publications)
• The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Dover Publications)

Supplies: Books purchased by tutor are included in the cost for the class (above). Each student will need writing utensils, paper and a folder dedicated to this class. Computer access is needed at home.