3. Review of letter-writing.
Method.
1. Connect with the preceding term’s work by showing that exposition is description which explains; which shows the general and the common rather than the particular and the individual; which omits the personal.
2. Develop the following special points:
Arrangement of material.
A. Gathering of ideas, either one’s own or those from standard authorities. If the latter, give directions on note-taking. B. Selection of material, according to scale of treatment. C. Making of outline.
a. Key sentence or announcement of subject. b. Grouping into leading and subordinate points. c. Conclusion, with summary where advisable.
Development of material (Paragraph making).
Do no formal work with the paragraph except to teach the importance of the topic sentence as a means toward unity and therefore toward clearness. Insist on a clear topic sentence for each paragraph. Permit any means of development that naturally suggests itself. Encourage the attempt not only to begin paragraphs well, but to end them well.
3. Word-work. Give regular exercises once a week for the first half term on work tending to develop an interest in words and accuracy in their use; such as, exercises in defining, in synonyms (select only such as are apt to be misused), on words with interesting history. In defining insist on correct form and clear distinctions. Vary this work and select with care, so that it will be vital. It is valueless if formal and perfunctory.