Introduce your students to the world of close reading and ACES writing with this comprehensive introductory unit. Designed for both new learners and as a review for those already familiar with the skills, the unit covers fundamental concepts in reading and writing. Students will learn specific close reading steps and the ACES paragraph writing strategy, using three engaging commencement speeches to build their skills. All three commencement speeches, the Stanford Commencement Speech by Steve Jobs, the Harvard Commencement Speech by J.K. Rowling, and the University of Pennslyvania Commencement Speech by Denzel Washington, focus on the benefits and influence of failure. Help your students develop a strong foundation for effective reading and writing with this essential unit.