Stobaugh and writing skills ...

[SabrinainPA]

Hello. I am mostly a lurker, gleaning what I can from the collective hive. But now, I actually have a question. My 16yo son's writing skills are poor. This year, I switched to TOG from SL. And, while he is getting better, he is definitely not where he needs to be for college-level work. I have been looking at James Stobaugh's Literary Analysis or British Lit for his junior/senior year. I would just like an opinion on which would be better to address the main need of writing skills. I thank you in advance.

Sabrina

[Leah]

I personally did not find either book to be especially strong for a struggling writer. If writing skills are poor, you might do better with a course that focuses primarily on the parts and pieces of an essay.

[Janice in NJ]

...but he does not teach the student how to write the essay.

If your student is in 11th grade and is having trouble pulling together an essay, I would look at the Institute for Excellence in Writing. I've seen Susan recommend it for high schoolers:

http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?p=36024#poststop

I have heard great things about it even though I can't speak from experience. For so many people it is just what they needed!

Peace,
Janice

Enjoy your little people
Enjoy your journey

Student Writing Intensive C:
http://www.excellenceinwriting.com/index.php?q=product/student-writing-intensive-level-c

Continuation Course:
http://www.excellenceinwriting.com/index.php?q=product/student-intensive-continuation-course%3A-level-c-0

[Teddi]

I agree with Janice. Stobaugh doesn't teach writing. My student is doing quite well with "The Lively Art of Writing," which was recommended by someone here. You might do a search on it. It's an inexpensive little book.