What Reviewers Say

Reviewers consistently characterize Jensen's Format Writing as a 'no-nonsense,' 'straightforward,' and highly 'formulaic' curriculum. It is widely praised for its ability to provide a clear blueprint for students who struggle with organization, offering specific templates for essays, business letters, and resumes. Cathy Duffy and Exodus Books highlight its analytical nature, making it an excellent bridge to college-level technical writing. However, the most frequent criticism is that the material is 'dry' or 'boring,' which can be a significant hurdle for students who require creative engagement. While it may not inspire a love of writing in the literary sense, it is respected for its efficiency and the independence it allows students. Many families find it to be a reliable, cost-effective tool for high schoolers who need a structured 'how-to' guide rather than an open-ended creative writing course.

How It Works

The student works independently through a single workbook, reading a short lesson that introduces a specific writing 'formula' followed by examples and drafting assignments. A typical week involves three to five sessions of 30 to 45 minutes where the student practices building specific paragraph types before moving on to five-paragraph essays and business documents. The parent’s primary role is to act as an editor and grader using the provided analytical checklists and point-based rubrics to ensure the student followed the required format. Because the program is highly structured, a student can typically complete the daily work at a kitchen table with just the textbook, a notebook, or a word processor.

Switching to This?

Master Books does not offer a formal placement test for this curriculum, so most families start at the beginning of the book to ensure the student masters the foundational paragraph structures used in later lessons. It is most commonly introduced in 9th grade as a high school writing 'boot camp,' though it can be used as early as 7th grade for advanced writers. Families can easily start this curriculum mid-year because it is a self-contained manual that focuses on building specific technical skills rather than following a traditional school-year calendar. If you are switching from a program that emphasizes creative 'voice' or storytelling, expect your student to find the transition challenging at first due to the rigid, rule-based approach to organization.

Curriculum Details

Price

$25 - $81

Individual workbook is approximately $25-32; full sets including video instruction (Master Books Academy) can range up to $81.

Grades

7 - 12

Available As

Print Digital Workbook Video

Coverage

Single subject

Subjects

Reading/Language Arts Writing

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Pacing

Flexible

Parent Time

5-15 min/day

Parent Involvement

Minimal

Student Independence

Fully independent

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Academic Level

Grade level

Worldview

Christian

Videos

Reviews We Consulted

Updated: March 2026

How This Compares

Compared to the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW), Jensen's is far more independent and less time-intensive for the parent, as it lacks the long video components and complex 'stylistic techniques' that IEW requires. When weighed against Writing Strands, Jensen’s is much more focused on the technical 'blueprint' of an essay; while Writing Strands explores the broader process of writing, Jensen's provides a strict template that tells the student exactly what to put in each sentence. Against Brave Writer, Jensen’s is the polar opposite, prioritizing formulaic organization over organic self-expression, making it a better fit for the logical, math-minded student who just wants to know 'how to get it done.' Parents also compare it to The Elegant Essay, finding Jensen’s more comprehensive because it covers practical real-world tasks like resumes and business letters in addition to standard academic essays. Ultimately, choosing Jensen's over these other programs means you are prioritizing clear, technical communication and organizational efficiency over literary analysis or creative development.

Getting Started