What kinds of grammar concepts are covered in Maximum Impact?
Maximum Impact is designed to give students at all skill levels a thorough explanation of what they need to improve their writing through instruction, examples, and exercises that reinforce the logical application of grammar and usage rules.
The book begins by explaining what makes a sentence, the rules of capitalization, and common punctuation errors. More complex issues like run-on sentences, fragments, and restrictive and nonrestrictive clauses follow. Maximum Impact also covers problems in case, transitions, passive voice, and commonly confused words.
How is Maximum Impact organized?
Maximum Impact is divided into five main parts, each addressing a broad grammar topic, like punctuation or sentence structure. Chapters in each part cover specific concepts under that topic. For example, the punctuation section includes chapters on apostrophes and commas.
Each chapter begins with a clear explanation of the concept being explored. Students see examples of correct and incorrect use of the concept in sentences and, if necessary, paragraphs. Every concept or term has at least one rigorous exercise to reinforce student understanding. Students can write their responses directly in the book if needed.
The final section of the book is made up of a series of cumulative exercises that test more than one rule at a time.
What level of student would benefit the most from Maximum Impact?
The book begins with the principle that students already know the definitions of grammar terms like nouns and verbs.
Therefore, Maximum Impact works best for students who are familiar with the basics of grammar but need further practice, as well as those who have a strong foundation in writing but have specific weaknesses in the more difficult concepts of English.
Which grade level is this book best suited for?
Although it’s intended for grades 6–9, Maximum Impact is perfect for remedial grammar and writing instruction at any middle or high school level.
Can Maximum Impact improve my students' test scores?
While test prep isn’t the main focus of Maximum Impact, students taking the SAT and other standardized tests will definitely benefit from the book.
Many of the exercises mirror those found on standardized tests; students must decide which sentence arrangement in a paragraph works better, which transition fits to make a paragraph flow more smoothly, which revision of a poorly worded sentence to use, and more.
When students apply what they practice in the book to their own writing, they’re more likely to succeed come test time.