This is the first of three books designed to develop essential language skills for students at Key Stage 3 and to reflect the new emphasis on grammar, punctuation and spelling in the Revised English Orders for the National Curriculum. It has seven units, each focusing on particular language skills. Language work and exercises arise from a number of feature texts, drawn from a range of literary and non-literary forms of writing. Language databases in each unit summarize the features of language for quick reference. Each unit also has a spelling focus. Reinforcement and progression of development are aided by a reference section at the end of the text, which provides more language activities.