I’ve had a few parents inquire about the style guide mentioned in my Honors English II syllabus, so I thought it would be best to post responses here in case anyone else had the same questions or concerns. They’re all very valid and fair questions!
QUESTION: I have a son/daughter in your Honors English II class and one in your English IV (or AP English IV) class. Why are the sophomores REQUIRED to purchase a style guide, but it is only RECOMMENDED to the seniors?
ANSWER: In the past the CHHS English department has not uniformly required a particular style guide to be purchased and used from year to year, but after a year-long PLC (professional learning community) project we decided it was in our students’ best interest to adopt one. As we phase in this new purchase requirement for all students, I figured it would be easier to justify the investment to students/parents who would be using the book for more than one year. It will certainly be easier for me to conduct class activities if all or most of the seniors have their own copy, but for this first year I’m willing to work with what we have.
QUESTION: I have more than one kid in the high school. Can they share one copy of the book?
ANSWER: As long as they don’t have English class during the same period, I don’t mind if your kids share one copy. Please check with Mrs. Siley or Mr. D though if either of them has one of your kids as a student.
QUESTION: Two different books are listed. Is one preferable to the other?
ANSWER: The second of the two books is perfectly fine (and half the price)! We listed both A Writer’s Reference (7th edition) and A Pocket Style Manual (6th edition) because the longer, more expensive former is often required by colleges and therefore could save you about $30 in the long run. We fully understand though that some of you nearly fell out of your chairs when you saw a $60 book listed as a requirement for a high school class. I sincerely apologize for any stress it may have caused.
QUESTION: Where do you recommend purchasing the book?
ANSWER: Both Amazon and Barnes & Noble sell A Pocket Style Manual (6th edition) for roughly $27. Click on the store names for direct links to the listings. Please feel free to explore any cheaper used copies they offer, but just be certain you’re getting the correct edition so recent updates to APA and MLA formats are included. If you’d prefer to buy the book at an actual brick and mortar store, I recommend calling first to see if they have it in stock (if not, they can easily order it for you).
Barnes and Noble (Eaton/Chagrin Blvd. location): 216-765-7520
Barnes and Noble (Crocker Park location): 440-250-9233
Visible Voice Books (Kenilworth Ave. in Tremont): 216-961-0084
I hope this post is helpful. Please feel free to email or call with any additional questions!
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