Writing 2: Becoming a Writer builds on the basic process introduced in Writing 1 and encourages expanded self-direction. Lessons present diverse composition modes—narration, description, exposition, and persuasion—and address the more demanding forms of writing expected in the upper grades, while helping each student develop a personal writing style.&

Writing process theory is the foundation for both Writing 1 and Writing 2. The idea that writing is a process—a series of steps, not a simple product—is stressed from beginning to end. According to writing process theory, some or all of six steps to the writing process may be taken (and revisited) in writing any particular piece. These steps include prewriting, drafting, conferencing, revising, editing, and publishing.

Students are presented with numerous models of good writing, strategies for generating writing topics, suggestions for literary and interdisciplinary connections, and rubrics for guiding and evaluating their writing. They write autobiographies, third- person narratives, problem/solution essays, expositions, descriptions, persuasions/argumentations, and literary responses. Problems in effectiveness of expression are addressed as students work to achieve unity and coherence in their writing—and to find their own voices as writers.