About The Denim BeretLike many writing programs, The Denim Beret Writing Program progresses through beginning, middle, and advanced composition skills. Unlike other writing programs, this program teaches students common habits and techniques of serious writers and authors, such as keeping a writing notebook and staying attentive to a potential audience. At the core of the program are the "Six Traits of Excellent Writing". These are the qualities of all truly excellent writing, no matter what the genre or reading level may be. The "Six Traits" are introduced in level 1 but remain in the background as students develop fundamental skills that prepare them for the more complex skills taught in levels 2 and 3. Specific types of papers are also an essential component of each level, all designed to prepare students for the rigors of upper high school and college. By the end of the program, students will be well-prepared to face any kind of non-fiction writing project in school and beyond. Finally, this program follows a mastery-learning approach. Students do not advance to the next lesson until they have sufficiently mastered the current lesson. Also, instead of receiving letter grades, students receive a grade that states their level of mastery, along with constructive feedback that will help them develop their skills. Those who need letter grades for transcripts may receive them upon request at the end of each course. Level 2:
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Level 1:
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