A SURVIVOR'S GUIDE: THE ESSAY Produced and directed by Mike Mattson Dept. of Communications Media, University of Calgary, 1990. VHS cassette, 11:00 min., $150.00 Distributed by University of Calgary Film Library, 2500 University Dr. N.W., Calgary, Alta. T2N 1N4 Grades 7 and up/Ages 12 and up Reviewed by C.L. Ross. Volume 19 Number 6 1991 November This is a "how to" video on the fine art of writing essays, term papers and the like. It is well done, depicting the typically confused student who is helped by the friendly librarian to follow a step-by-step plan of attack to produce a well-written essay. I felt the steps in the process needed to be summed up in some way; other than that, the producers have made a very useful video here. I learned a couple of new things myself. The content is appropriate for the grades mentioned, although occasionally the sound track faded a little when the student was thinking "out loud." However, since it was only a minor irritation at times, I wouldn't let it deter you from using the video. The visuals were very good, especially since a student sitting at a desk writing doesn't give a camera operator much creative scope. This is not a new subject but this video has looked at what is usually a boring topic in a wonderfully fresh way. Recommended. C.L. Ross, Okanagan Regional Library, Kelowna, B.C.