Common Topic Stage

Description: A continuation of the Refutation & Confirmation Stages. There is no exact equivalent for Common Topic exercises in modern composition theory, and are difficult to categorize, but the best way to categorize the Common Topic Stage is as a descriptive essay. In this stage students will learn 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 natural way than the previous stages. The Common Topic exercises look more like an “essay.” The grade is based on participation, outline submissions, and final draft submissions.

Grade Level: 7-8 (ages 12-14)

Prerequisites: Completion of Fable, Narrative, Chreia/Maxim, and Refutation/Confirmation Stages. Students should possess a basic knowledge of English grammar (e.g. subject, verbs, nouns, adjectives, adverbs, direct object, indirect object, etc.), be able to type basic, grammatically complete sentences, as well as the ability to type a basic paragraph and edit it with help from a parent. If your student is weak on grammar and needs to shore things up then the summer Grammar Camp is recommended.

Required Texts: Common Topic Student Guide. Also, students will need their Classical Composition Student Guides from all prior levels to use as review. Students will also need a USB headset microphone (built-in microphones also work).

See an overview of Common Topic: Common Topic Overview Video