Placement guide, language arts
Which level of Essentials in Writing should my child start?
How Essentials in Writing levels line up with school grades, how its placement test works, what to do if your child lands between two levels, and the mistakes parents most often make.
The short answer. Levels match school grades, and the publisher says most students begin at grade level unless a child has a learning difference. It names the books 'levels' so a child can be placed lower and still feel successful, and says to place by the grade the child is learning at, not writing at.
Use the publisher's own placement tool to choose the level (free, online). If you are not sure where your child really is, or the result surprises you, check the level first: it is quicker than a wrong book.
Essentials in Writing levels and the grades they usually suit
| Level | Usually suits grade | Main topics |
|---|---|---|
| Level 3 | 3 | Simple and compound sentences, run-ons, pronouns and antecedents, possessives, verb tenses, the writing process, expository, persuasive and descriptive paragraphs, narratives, research project on the student's state. 52 video lessons. |
| Level 4 | 4 | Clauses, complex sentences, parts of speech including prepositional phrases, figurative language, descriptive, expository and persuasive paragraphs, news article, narrative, expository essay, animal research project. 80 video lessons. |
| Level 5 | 5 | Same grammar core as Level 4 with adverbs modifying adjectives, summaries, compare and contrast, persuasive essay, research project on a favorite author. 83 video lessons. 34 weeks. |
| Level 6 | 6 | Grammar review, narrative with dialogue, summary, compare and contrast, expository essay, restaurant research project. 78 video lessons. |
| Level 7 | 7 | Clauses, complex sentences, fixing fragments, run-ons and comma splices, gerunds, paraphrasing and summary, expository essay, persuasive business letter, research project. 53 video lessons. |
| Level 8 | 8 | Compound-complex sentences, narrative with dialogue, expository and persuasive essays, research project on a historical figure. 64 video lessons. |
| Level 9 | 9 | Verbals, note-taking and citations, personal, argumentative, expository and compare and contrast essays, an expository research paper in MLA format, a speech. 66 video lessons. |
| Level 10 | 10 | Sentence structure review, verbals, step-by-step modeling of each multi-paragraph composition, several essay types, a research paper, a speech. 75 video lessons. |
| Levels 11 and 12 | 11-12 | Formal paragraphs and essays including cause and effect, process analysis and timed essay, persuasive research paper. Grammar is handled inside the writing videos. |
Grades are the publisher's own guide. Many children sit a level above or below, especially after switching programs.
How Essentials in Writing placement works
- A short web form, which the publisher says takes under two minutes.
- It asks the student's current grade, confidence in writing and grammar, feelings about writing, any diagnosed learning differences, and a name and email, then gives a level recommendation.
- The publisher does not publish how answers map to a level.
- For a closer check it offers free PDF comparison charts of the skills taught at Levels 1-3, 4-6, 7-9 and 10-12, and each level page lists expected prior skills.
Open the publisher's placement page
If your child lands between two levels
The publisher's rule is to start at grade level, or at the level the child is learning at if there is a learning difference, and to contact customer service if still unsure. It gives no rule for skipping. A reviewer (Cathy Duffy Reviews) notes there is enough repetition that families can sometimes skip a year, and that Level 7 composition suits older students who have not mastered the skills.
Problems parents often run into
- Parents report the grammar is light and moves fast with little review, so some add a separate grammar program.
- It depends on video lessons, which some families see as too much screen time, and the videos are needed to understand each assignment.
- Spelling is not taught and diagramming is not included.
Point of Progress in 20 seconds
Ready to see where your child stands?
See where they stand →Switching to Essentials in Writing from another program
- Students new to the program usually start at their grade level. Levels 11 and 12 review sentence structure and paragraphs, so weaker high schoolers can still work at grade level (Cathy Duffy Reviews).
- An optional grammar review adds about 15 lessons to Levels 7 and 8. For Level 11, the publisher offers a free 'Intensive Grammar Review' on its website.
When you don't need a whole level
A placement test answers one question: which book. If your child is mostly on track but shaky in one area, say fractions or paragraph writing, a full lower level means months of review they do not need. Practising just the gaps is faster, and keeps them in the book that fits the rest of their skills.
Questions parents ask
How long is a Essentials in Writing lesson?
15-40 minutes per lesson including the 3-7 minute video (FAQ: Levels 3-5 about 20-30, Levels 6-12 about 20-40)
Is it bad if my child places below their grade?
No. Programs pace topics differently, so a lower level often reflects the order things were taught, not how able a child is. What matters is starting where the work makes sense.
Do I need a placement test at all?
If you are switching programs or your child has had a hard year, yes. Starting too high is the most common reason a new curriculum stalls in the first month.
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Sources
- essentialsinwriting.com/placement-tool/
- essentialsinwriting.com
- essentialsinwriting.com/faqs/
- essentialsinwriting.com/level-comparison-guides-writing/
- essentialsinwriting.com/level-5/
- essentialsinwriting.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/EIW_Quick_Compariso
Know where they stand before you buy the book.
About forty minutes at home, math and reading & writing, grades 3 to 10. The report is ready as soon as the test finishes.
Test your child, $9.99 →or with the ten-week workbook, $19.99This page is Point of Progress's own research, compiled in November 2026 from publishers' websites, placement materials and parent reviews. Publishers update their products, levels, placement tests and prices from time to time, so please verify all information with the provider before you buy. Point of Progress is independent and is not affiliated with any publisher named here.