Developing Excellent Writers for Our Future: Using the Progymnasmata

Elegantly Effective Writing


Common Topic Stage
Home Fable Narrative Chreia/Maxim Ref/Confirm Encom/Inv/Com Characterization Description Thesis/Law

Pen and Schroll

Discovering the Skills of Writing

This set of exercises, Common Topic, is more difficult to categorize by modern composition theory but would likely fall under the descriptive essay. The students are learning how to amplify evil attributes. They will use all of the previous skills learned in the exercises—narrative, expository and argumentative but must now apply those skills in a more creative and, many say, more pleasing or natural way than the previous stages. The Common Topic exercises look more like an "essay."

Key Benefits

  • Review of skills mastered in previous six stages
  • Student delight in verbal riposte
  • Allows for innovative expression

Capabilities

  • Arrangement of argumentative composition
  • Write an argumentative introductory paragraph
  • Create multiple quality debate or essay points

Pricing

Description SKU # Price
Common Topic Teacher's Manual
5001 $20
Common Topic Student's Workbook
5002 $10
Complete Common Topic Lesson Plans on CD for Schools

(includes rights to copy workbooks for classroom use)

5003 $100

For orders outside of the United States please email jimselby@everestkc.net for shipping cost.

You may also pay by check or money order. 

Make checks payable to: Classical Composition

Mail to: Classical Composition, 9601 W. 97th Street, Overland Park, Kansas 66212


Pen and Schroll

Papers on Aphthonius' Progymnasmata

The Vertical Integration of Aphthonius' Progymnasmata

Aphthonius’ Progymnasmata as a Means to Preparing Innovative Communicators

Other Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Bibliography