Intermediate Writing Foundations Handbook
Intermediate Writing Foundations Handbook
Guide students from strong paragraphs to confident, multi-paragraph compositions.
Overview
This handbook teaches parents and teachers how to guide students from single-paragraph writing into structured multi-paragraph essays. Designed for homeschool families and co-op instructors, this handbook continues The Write Journey method of breaking the writing process into clear steps that help students: brainstorm complex ideas, organize a thoughtful structure, create a rough draft connecting ideas in sentences, and refine their work into a cohesive essay. Students learn to confidently write with techniques that prepare them for the higher expectations of middle school, high school, and beyond.
The Intermediate level builds directly upon the skills of structure and style taught in the Elementary Writing Foundations Handbook. Students can follow along with the handbook using the Intermediate Student Lesson Guide.
What’s Included
Full digital PDF handbook (written for parents and teachers)
Comprehensive instruction for multi-paragraph essay writing
The TWJ Four-Step Writing Process expanded for middle and high school application
Editing techniques to improve student writing including strong nouns, active verbs, vivid transitions, varied sentence lengths, and literary third-person voice
Practical examples and checklists for teaching, editing, and evaluating writing
Guidance on MLA formatting
Cues for accessing companion online video tutorials
Recommended For
Homeschool students in grades 7–9 (ideal for ages 12–15)
Parents, teachers, or co-op instructors guiding students toward essay-level writing
Middle-high school students writing about advanced topics
Families looking for an easy-to-teach writing method
Key Benefits
Bridges the gap between paragraph writing and full essay composition
Teaches advanced style and structure – students refine writing with strong verbs, vivid transitions, and sentence variety
Encourages critical thinking – promotes analysis, organization, and academic voice
Builds long-term confidence – students learn to master the writing process with ease
Perfect for homeschool use – clear pacing for one-on-one or group instruction
Simplifies MLA formatting – introduces proper academic layout early
Note: All TWJ products are digital downloads. Upon purchase, you’ll receive a PDF copy of this guide.
FAQs
What grade levels is this handbook written for?
The target age group is 7th-9th graders, although both younger and older students may benefit from the writing steps and strategies contained in this handbook.
Is this a workbook or a teacher’s manual?
This is not a workbook or manual but rather, a guide for parents and teachers to glean critical thinking and essential study skills. This is a practical instructional guide for parents and teachers, providing them with insight and direction as they teach quality writing skills to their children and students.
Can I order a hard copy of the handbook?
Not at this time. For now, as with all of our products, this is a digital download only.
If I have questions or desire additional instruction after reading the handbook, what are my options?
We are a highly relational organization. We will always do our best to meet the needs of our students and their parents. With that in mind, we can suggest a few options to receive personalized instruction as you learn the skills in the handbook:
Join our Adult Training Program.
Request mentoring from a trained instructor.
If you have a simple question, simply send a message to our home office.
Why are all families with students in your online classes required to purchase a handbook?
We partner with parents (and other adults) to bring quality writing instruction to students. As we partner with other adults, it is imperative that all parties understand the foundational concepts that will be taught. In this way, students receive the best support possible.