COMPOSITION II IS A YEAR-LONG COURSE FOR STUDENTS IN GRADES 8-12.

Building on skills learned in Composition I, students begin their Composition II pursuits with the formation of a quality thesis and its development in an argumentative essay, then a research report and other forms of essay writing There is increasing emphasis on the development of style. Presentation of lessons, frequent impromptu writing tasks, and imitation exercises with immediate feedback are all valuable components enhancing the course. Students are trained in this course to critique both their own work and the writing of others. Composition II continues to build students’ capacity for rhetorical effectiveness. It is offered in both You Teach and Live Online formats.

The Veritas Approach to Grammar & Writing and Composition

No one disputes the need for children to learn to read and write. They’re two of the three R’s. But mastering grammar and writing exceptionally has fewer devotees. We’re guessing that’s because it’s hard to clearly define and even harder to produce in our students. Yet when we read something well written, it keeps our attention. We’re intrigued by cleverly turned phrases and metaphors that paint visual images we can’t forget—we can’t put down such writing.

At Veritas, the entire English curriculum is designed to teach your child to become one of those great writers. That’s not to say that everyone is equally gifted. Rather, our goal is to develop a child’s gifts fully.

The grammar of language is about language structure, how the words are constructed and the way they contribute to a sentence. Why do poorly written sentences and bad grammar even matter? The rules of language, grammar, word order—like any other rules—exist to systematize and prescribe what the speakers of that language agree to be correct and effective communication. Students who ignore or never learn what is considered proper English will be at a distinct disadvantage in their education and in life.

Historically, children have been taught Grammar for a long time. The first grammar text, written in 1586, was based on William Lily’s Latin grammar text. In the United States the first English grammar text was published in 1765. Up until the last generation, children were taught English grammar just like they were taught to read.

*You Teach only. All other courses have Live or You Teach options, except as noted.

Our search for the best grammar curriculum led us to Shurley English. We knew we wanted easy memorization, not logical deduction, to be the primary learning method. Through fun chanting, children in the grammar stage are taught the parts of speech and what makes a complete sentence. Imagine a six-year-old who can identify nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, and prepositional phrases in sentences. Today we are amazed, but this was once the norm. Once children can identify parts of speech through a learned pattern, they are taught to write their own sentences. Then children are ready to learn how to write paragraphs and stories.

To teach writing classically, we wanted a program that modeled other writing as a key teaching technique. In the past, children were taught to write by modeling the masters. Over 20 years ago, we found the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW). This program follows patterns of composition similar to those taught in the classical exercises called the progymnasmata. Using this method, children learn by imitation, just like in ancient Greece and Rome. Now, more than 20 years later, we are even more convinced that this is the best way to learn to write.

With enough practice students will be ready to take the training wheels off. Students are now developing their own writing. The composition program we use was developed by us in partnership with the staff at WORLD Magazine.

WORLD is known for their excellent writing staff. So many times what children learn is theoretical in nature. We are pleased that through our composition curriculum your children can learn from and be inspired by those who actually write for a living. Students will learn many different styles of writing in Composition I and II. Further interest in writing can be further fostered through several electives offered as live online courses.

Finally, some students may need more work before starting a composition course. If your seventh grader has not had enough grammar and writing to go into Composition I, we offer a transition course that will allow the student to get caught up before moving on.[1]

[1] The History of Grammar

Live Online

Building on the skills learned in Composition I, students will apply these skills to a variety of genres in Composition II. They will begin learning about common ways they'll be expected to communicate in the world today, starting with writing a blog and then creating a slideshow. After learning how to develop their style in informal writing, they will learn how to adjust this style for academic writing. Students will learn how to craft a persuasive essay that supports a thesis statement. These skills will serve as a foundation for the research paper through which they will learn how to integrate research effectively and ethically. At the end of the year, students will interact with model examples of various genres from personal essays to playwriting. Classes include presentation of lessons, frequent in-class processing activities, and immediate teacher feedback. Students will be trained to critique their own work and the work of their peers with intention and respect. Their writing assignments will assess their understanding of the class content and outside reading assignments.

Live Online – The Veritas Approach

Veritas has been offering live online classes since 2006. Here are some reasons why you should consider our live courses:

• Classes meet twice weekly for 75–90 minutes.
• Synchronous interactions use audio and video.
• Engage with material throughout the week, per assignments.
• Interaction with peers from across the globe. It's not uncommon to have students from five or six different countries in one classroom.
• 20:1 student:teacher ratio, with an emphasis on individualized attention.
• World-class teachers, more than two-thirds have advanced degrees.
• Veritas Scholars Academy is accredited by Middle States Association

You Teach

You Teach is our term for those who take our curriculum and teach it themselves, whether at home or at school.

Composition II - Course Kit contains the materials that a student taking the course at home will need. The course builds on Composition I, teaching a variety of advanced writing types with an emphasis on teaching students to develop style and effectiveness so that others enjoy reading their work.

Course Kits are offered as a discounted package. However, you may only need some of the books. Select the ones you need below for easy ordering.