Palabra abierta, 2/e, is a theme-driven and process-based Spanish composition text designed to develop advanced students' critical-thinking skills and academic writing proficiency. Through a functional grammar approach students learn about a variety of genres, with a particular focus on the academic essay. Each chapter explores multiple aspects of a common theme through various written genres and teaches students about functional components that constitute each of the genres presented. Each chapter also includes one model essay that demonstrates the genre in which students will be asked to compose. Readings and activities provide students with the appropriate vocabulary, linguistic structures, and writing strategies to allow them to meaningfully engage in chapter topics as well as diversify and expand their writing skills.