Writing the Chicago Way – Writers Craft with Ms. Poulton
Blyth Yorkville is excited to offer Writer’s Craft in Term 4 (EWC4C). “Little Red Schoolhouse” the illustrious writing program developed at the University of Chicago will be our platform. LRS, taught to all first-year students at that university (and many others), addresses clear writing, with the reader’s perspective in mind. Most readers intuitively spot the difference between good and bad writing. Drawing on these intuitions, Little Red Schoolhouse defines principles of writing clearly that students then apply to their own work. Grammar and diction are included in the curriculum, but students focus on developing powerful strategies of persuasion.
Students will learn to build powerful arguments by anticipating questions readers ask:
- What do you want me to do or think?
- Why should I do or think that?
- How do I know that what you say is true?
- What about this other idea, fact, or conclusion?
- Why should I accept that your reasons support your claim?
(NB: this course was modified in accordance with Ministry requirements by Mr. de P at a former school)