Progressions helps students learn the characteristics of effective sentences, paragraphs, and essays; procedures for producing this writing; and applications of this learning beyond the writing classroom.

Geared toward improving basic writers' competence and confidence, Progressions provides abundant support for the student by showing specifically what to do in every step of the writing process.

Numerous exercises and activities (including collaborative activities), writing assignments, and suggested editing and revising strategies appear throughout the text. The book also offers instruction in reading and writing in response to reading.