This program will enhance student writing skills by helping them improve in organization, content, word choice, voice and fluency. They will enhance these skills through understanding of standard English conventions and through revising and editing their compositions. Students will learn to demonstrate their writing skills in a variety of writing styles, including: - Narrative - Descriptive - Expository -Persuasive run time: 22 minutes awards: Omni, Vision REVIEWS: School Library Journal – January, 2001 Gr 7 – 8, In this well produced mini-writing lesson, the onscreen male host introduces the cartoon-animated panel of distinguished judges composed of Aristotle, Shakespeare, and Mark Twain. Live action footage is skillfully interwoven with animation and graphics to appeal to middle grade audiences. Four multicultural girls and boys have written essays to be judged by the distinguished panel of writers. They read their papers, which are descriptive, persuasive, narrative, or expository, and the judges critique and score each composition. While the contestants read their essays, the text appears at the bottom portion of the screen so visual learners can follow along. The audience is invited to judge each piece, grading the structure, accuracy of communication, and style. The panel of judges point out mistakes, and their corrections are shown onscreen to help viewers. They graphics are easy to read and stay onscreen long enough to read and copy. This production is an excellent introduction to writing and a very good tool for training peer editors. It will be most effective for group viewing with instructor led discussion following, but could be utilized for individual viewing as well. The production enjoys very good audio and technical aspects, and the teaching objectives are well met. An outstanding purchase for language arts curriculums and public libraries with home school or writing collections. – Kathy Drummer, Newcastle Middle School, WY BOOKLIST – 03/01/2001 Gr. 5 – 9, To write a good story you must have certain skills. This “mini-lesson” teaches writing skills through a game show format where various actors representing contestants read essays written in four styles: narrative, persuasive, descriptive, and expositiory. Then viewers and judges (animated graphics depicting historical figures) score each story. For example, Aristotle introduces structure and organization, Shakespeare explores grammar and communication accuracy, and Mark Twain discusses style. The judges offer explanations on the strengths and weaknesses of the writings. Highlighted phrases are captioned. The program presents good essay examples and solid writing information in a nutshell – Tricia Suellentrop