Russian vs. American attitudes. Russian image of a beautiful woman. Peter I and the founding of St. Petersburg. Panova's Ser'ezha f. What's similar and dissimilar, good and bad, as compared with American schools.
Writing is the best grammar teacher.
It forces the student to be cognizant of endings, while liberating him from merely filling in pre-ordained verb forms and noun endings. Writing vivifies the structure of the language by applying grammar rules and vocabulary to one's original thoughts. New grammar tidbits can be introduced in the context of writing. Writing affords the student the satisfaction of being a creative agent, expressing opinions, and being humorous, as opposed to fixed-response or pattern drills. The collection of writings at semester-end in a completed portfolio gives both student and instructor a tangible record of progress.