Writing with Skill (WWS) is a middle school writing curriculum by Susan Wise Bauer that teaches expository, analytical, and research writing through classical methods, preparing students for high school rhetoric and composition.
What is Writing with Skill?
Writing with Skill (WWS) is a middle school writing curriculum authored by Susan Wise Bauer and published by Well-Trained Mind Press. As Levels 5-7 of The Complete Writer series, WWS follows Writing with Ease (elementary) and prepares students for high school rhetoric work. The program focuses on expository writing—explaining, describing, and analyzing—rather than creative composition. Using classical techniques like topoi (topics for invention) and imitation of quality models, WWS systematically builds outlining, research, and analytical writing skills across history, science, biography, and literature.
Key Takeaways
- Covers grades 5-8 through three published levels (a fourth high school level is planned)
- Focuses on expository and analytical writing rather than creative composition
- Teaches four classical topoi: chronological narrative, description, descriptive sequence, and cause-effect sequence
- Designed for increasing student independence with text written directly to learners
- Includes all source materials—no additional books required
The Three Levels
Level 1 (typically grades 5-6) introduces one- and two-level outlining, paragraph construction, chronological narratives, descriptions, and beginning literary criticism of both prose and poetry. Level 2 (grades 6-7) advances to three-level outlining, more complex narratives and descriptions, developed literary essays, and extended research methods. Level 3 (grades 7-8) focuses on expository essays, cause-and-effect writing, advanced literary criticism, and sophisticated paragraph construction. Each level spans 36 weeks at four days per week. The author recommends starting with Level 1 regardless of grade because the methodology differs from most writing programs.
Classical Methodology
WWS employs classical techniques that have trained writers for centuries. Students learn topoi—the classical "topics" or "commonplaces" used to generate and organize ideas. They practice imitation by studying how accomplished writers construct paragraphs, then applying those techniques to their own work. The curriculum addresses writing across disciplines: students write about historical events, scientific processes, biographical subjects, and literary works. This cross-curricular approach reinforces that expository writing is a skill applicable everywhere, not just in English class. Research skills, documentation, and proper citation are woven throughout.
What's Required from Parents
WWS is designed for students to work largely independently. The student workbook is written directly to learners with clear daily instructions organized by weeks, days, and steps. However, parents aren't completely off the hook—the Instructor Text provides rubrics for evaluation, scripted dialogue for when students struggle, and guidance on what students should accomplish each day. Expect to spend about 15 minutes daily reviewing work and providing feedback. The curriculum does not include grammar instruction, so you'll need a separate grammar program. WWS de-emphasizes traditional grading in favor of rubric-based evaluation focused on following instructions and revision.
The Bottom Line
Writing with Skill bridges elementary writing instruction and high school composition through systematic, classically-rooted methodology. The focus on expository and analytical writing—skills essential for academic success—prepares students for research papers, literary analysis, and the kind of thinking expected in upper grades. While the large workbooks may seem intimidating initially (the size comes from included source materials), the daily lessons are manageable at 15-20 minutes. Families committed to classical education will appreciate the topoi approach and quality literature. If your student completed Writing with Ease or needs structured middle school writing instruction with a clear path to high school readiness, WWS provides that bridge.
