Homeschool Review Crew: Our Review of High School Essay Intensive

     Writing essays can be intimidating for many students.  Our son has found it to be even more of a challenge for him throughout his high school years.  We knew it was going to be difficult for him to write essays for his college applications, so when we were chosen to receive and review  High School Essay Intensive from Institute for Excellence in Writing, we were so thrilled.  It was an answer to prayer.  

     

     The course includes:

• 5 DVDs in a lovely case (6.5 hours)

Parts 1a &1b: General

Strategies for Essay Writing

 Part 2: Understanding  and Preparing for the  New ACT Essay

 Part 3: Understanding  and Preparing for the  Redesigned SAT Essay

 Part 4: Strategies for the "Personal Essay"

• Student Handouts
• Portable Walls for the Essayist

     Ryan was a little nervous when he started the course.  So many times before we had gotten him courses in writing that were either really boring or just too simple.  He needed a course that would be able to teach him and keep his attention.  Within minutes of beginning this series, he was hooked. The instructor was upbeat.  He knew how to keep his students focused.  This resource was unlike any other we had tried in the past. I knew we had found a good fit for our son.  

     Since Ryan was the one using this curriculum, I asked him to give us his opinion of it. We were able to get through the entire first part of the program titled General Strategies for Essay Writing, and here is what Ryan said was taught in this section: 

1.  What an essay is
2.  Different types of essays
3.  Essay structure
4.  What makes a good paragraph
5.  The TRIAC Method: Topic, Restriction,  Illustration, Analysis, & Clincher
6.  How to write outlines

     I also asked him to write how this program is going to improve his essay writing skills.  Here is what he had to say:

     " Through this course, I have learned so much. The teacher knew how to keep my attention.  He explained everything in detail, with examples for each lesson he was teaching. I enjoyed his humor. Good humor always keeps me interested in what someone is saying.  I have taken other classes for similar subjects and each time I am bored within the first half hour. This time was different.  I was not bored at all.  I was actually interested in learning about how to write. I was enjoying the lessons! It surprised me and my parents. I would recommend this course to anyone who has had issues with writing in the past or would like to brush up on their essay writing skills." 

     I think he has said it all!  A young man who has struggled with writing for a while is saying that this program has changed his life.  He is no longer intimidated by writing.  The lessons have taught him in a way that he can understand and implement in his everyday life.  He will be able to sit down and write essays now without feeling overwhelmed.  WHAT A CHANGE ONE GOOD COURSE CAN MAKE!!!  

     He said he is looking forward to moving on to the rest of the courses on the DVDs and would be willing to share his opinions of these when he is finished.  I can't believe how excited he is to learn more about writing skills.  

     For more information on Institute for Excellence in Writing you can go to their website or visit their social media pages listed below:

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/excellenceinwriting

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/iewtv
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/iew  @IEW
Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/iewriting/

     We also have some more reviews for you to read over on the Homeschool Review Crew website.  Please come on over and check them out!