We love using classical-style education elements. This book covers grammar and writing in a stand-alone workbook. It’s true to the original book from William Strunk that was first published in 1920. However, updates have been made to the book according to Brookdale house to keep it up to modern language practices.

My daughter has been using this program for the last few months. She likes that the program is simple yet covers all the necessary grammar and writing points that she needs to learn throughout high school. She likes that it uses real pieces of literature to give examples of grammar points. I am glad that this is one of the new additions to this updated edition.

There are twelve different writing styles taught in the book; Forceful, Vehement, Elegant, Brief, Copious, Precise, Neat, Loose, Feeble, Plain, Diffusive, and Ornamental. These writing styles cover the majority of styles needed to become a proficient writer.

The workbook explains each point being taught very thoroughly, and includes examples. Then there are exercises to practice. The book is consumable, so my daughter works straight in the book. She really likes workbooks like this. It means that you would have to purchase a new book per student. The only thing my daughter doesn’t like about this program is that the answers to the questions are visible when working on questions. Although my daughter is self-disciplined enough not to look, she thinks it could be a problem for some students.

My daughter really likes this program. She finds it easy to work through with limited help. This suits her as she is really self-motivated and likes to work on her own. The lessons are very easy to work through. However, they are not set up in daily lessons. So, you can work at your own pace. I am not sure what level this book is geared toward, but I feel it would be a good course for a high school student. My daughter works at a high school level, and although she doesn’t find this very difficult, she does feel it covers all the topics she needs.

We have used products from Brookdale House before and have always loved everything we have used. This program is no different.

–Product review by Lisa Maynard, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, September 2017