My Thoughts on Using Jensen's Format Writing
Prerequisites:
It is my opinion that a student should have a good working knowledge of
grammar and spelling before attempting this class. If the student is a
poor speller, then he must be able to look up words because spelling errors
will count against him in this course as do grammar errors.
Voice:
The student should be encouraged to write in a strong voice in this
course and use strong word choices. In general, expository writers should sound like they believe in what they are writing, hence, the strong
voice and strong word choices.
Grammar Instruction:
There is no grammar instruction in Jensen's Format Writing. As mentioned in Prerequisites, the student should have already studied grammar. However, I suggest that the student continue to study grammar during this course. You can purchase a level appropriate grammar curriculum or do what I did. I assigned grammar lessons from a grammar handbook, but I also assigned grammar and style lessons based upon the grammar and style errors that my children made in their paragraphs and essays. Consider this as filling in grammar holes and this method worked well for my high school aged children. I used Bob Jones English Handbook for Christian Schools for the
purpose of grammar assignments.
Contractions:
Decide from the first if you will allow the use of contractions in the
writing assignments. If you decide against contractions and I recommend that you do, include this
information in your class requirements paper that will be a part of your syllabus.
Clichés and Slang:
I recommend discouraging slang and clichés because they are overused
and weak. Furthermore, those readers who are not familiar with the slang
and clichés will not understand the writer. If you decide that slang and
clichés will count against the student's grade, include that information
in your class requirements paper.
