Introduction
Why Write?
How The St. Martin’s Guide to Writing Helps You Learn to Write
THINKING CRITICALLY
PART 1
Writing Activities
Introduction
Practicing The Genre: Telling a Story
Analyzing Remembered Event Essays
Determine the writer’s purpose and audience.
Assess the genre’s basic features.
Jean Brandt, Calling Home
Shannon Lewis, We Were Here
Annie Dillard, An American Childhood
[Reflect] Make connections: Acting fearlessly.
[Analyze] Use the basic features.
A Well-Told Story: Constructing an Action Sequence
Vivid Description of People and Places: Using Names and Details
Autobiographical Significance: Showing and Telling
[Respond] Consider possible topics: Remembering unexpected adult actions and reactions.
Jenée Desmond-Harris, Tupac and My Non-Thug Life
[Reflect] Make connections: Remembering idols.
[Analyze] Use the basic features.
A Well-Told Story: Using Dialogue
Vivid Description of People and Places: Using Visuals and Brand Names
Autobiographical Significance: Handling Complex Emotions
[Respond] Consider possible topics: Recognizing a public event as a turning point.
Tom Ruprecht, In Too Deep
[Reflect] Make connections: Using humor.
[Analyze] Use the basic features.
A Well-Told Story: Understanding the Dramatic Organization of a Story
Vivid Description of People and Places: Using Figures of Speech
Autobiographical Significance: Coming Full Circle
[RESPOND] Consider possible topics: Being “In Too Deep.”
Juliane Koepcke, How I Survived a Plane Crash
Sally Williams: Sole Survivor: The Woman Who Fell to Earth
[Analyze] Use the basic features.
A Well-Told: Story Seeing an Event From Different Perspectives
[Respond] Consider possible topics: Exploring unexpected events.
Andrew Lam, Waterloo
[Analyze] Use the basic features.
Autobiographical Significance: Pairing Description and Reflection
[Respond] Consider possible topics: Remembering a turning point.
Playing with Genre: Remembering an Event in a Graphic Memoir
[Reflect] Make connections: Revisiting your younger self.
[Analyze] Use the basic features.
A Well-Told Story: Using Cartoons to Share an Experience
The Writing Assignment
Starting Points: Explaining a Concept
Writing a Draft: Invention, Research, Planning, and Composing
Choose an event to write about.
Shape your story.
Organize your story to enhance the drama.
Choose your tense and plan time cues.
Use dialogue to tell your story.
Develop and refine your descriptions.
Incorporate descriptive details throughout your story.
Consider ways to convey your event’s autobiographical significance.
Write the opening sentences.
Draft your story.
Evaluating the Draft: Getting a Critical Reading
A Critical Reading Guide
Improving the Draft: Revising, Formatting, Editing, and Proofreading
Revise your draft.
A Troubleshooting Guide
Think about design.
Edit and proofread your draft.
Jean Brandt’s Essay
The First Draft
Critical Reading and Revision
THINKING CRITICALLY
Reflecting on What You Have Learned
Reflecting on the Genre
Introduction
Practicing The Genre: Telling a Story
Analyzing Profiles
Determine the writer’s purpose and audience.
Assess the genre’s basic features.
Brian Cable, The Last Stop
Brianne O’Leary: Fatty’s Custom Tattooz and Body Piercing
John T. Edge, I’m Not Leaving Until I Eat This Thing
[Reflect] Make connections: Aversion to new foods.
[Analyze] Use the basic features.
Detailed Information About the Subject: Describing the Place and People
A Clear, Logical Organization: Taking Readers On a Tour
The Writer’s Role: Acting As a Spectator
A Perspective On the Subject: Showing and Telling
[Respond] Consider possible topics: Writing about a specialty restaurant, manufacturer, or store.
Amanda Coyne, The Long Good-Bye: Mother’s Day in Federal Prison
[Reflect] Make connections: Unfair punishment.
[Analyze] Use the basic features.
Detailed Information About the Subject: Using Anecdotes
A Clear, Logical Organization: Narrating a Day in the Life
The Writer’s Role: Alternating Participant and Spectator Roles
A Perspective On the Subject: Using Contrast and Juxtaposition
[Respond] Consider possible topics: Profiling one instance of a recurring event.
Gabriel Thompson, A Gringo in the Lettuce Fields
[Reflect] Make connections: Switching perspectives.
[Analyze] Use the basic features.
Detailed Information About the Subject: Using Quotation, Paraphrase, and Summary
A Clear, Logical Organization: Narrating an Extended Period
The Writer’s Role: Participating in a Group
A Perspective On the Subject: Profiling a Controversial Subject
[Respond] Consider possible topics: Immersing yourself.
Sam Dillon: 4,100 Students Prove “Small Is Better” Rule Wrong
[Analyze] Use the basic features.
Detailed Information About the Subject: Bringing Together Text and Visuals
[RESPOND] Consider possible topics: Profiling a place.
Veronica Chambers: The Secret Latina
[Analyze] Use the basic features.
A Perspective On the Subject: Transcending the Familiar
[RESPOND] Consider possible topics: Widening the perspective on someone close to you.
Playing With Genre: Profiles in the Media
[REFLECT] Make connections: Sharing work stories.
[Analyze] Use the basic features.
A Clear, Logical Organization: Examining the Structure of Videos
The Writing Assignment
Starting Points: Writing a Profile
Writing a Draft: Invention, Research, Planning, and Composing
Choose a subject to profile.
Conduct your field research.
Integrate quotations from your interviews.
Create an outline that will organize your profile effectively for your readers.
Consider document design.
Determine your role in the profile.
Develop your perspective on the subject.
Write the opening sentences.
Draft your profile.
Evaluating the Draft: Getting a Critical Reading
A Critical Reading Guide
Improving the Draft: Revising, Formatting, Editing, and Proofreading
Revise your draft.
A Troubleshooting Guide
Think about design.
Edit and proofread your draft.
Brian Cable’s Interview Notes and Write-Up
THINKING CRITICALLY
Reflecting on What You Have Learned
Reflecting on the Genre
Introduction
Practicing the Genre: Explaining an Academic Concept
Guide to Reading
Analyzing Concept Explanations
Determine the writer’s purpose and audience.
Assess the genre’s basic features.
Patricia Lyu, Attachment: Someone to Watch over You
Ammar Rana: Jihad: The Struggle in the Way of God
Anastasia Toufexis, Love: The Right Chemistry
[Reflect] Make connections: How love works.
[Analyze] Use the basic features.
A Focused Explanation: Excluding Other Topics
A Clear, Logical Organization: Cueing the Reader
Appropriate Explanatory Strategies: Using Visuals
Smooth Integration of Sources: Establishing Credibility
[Respond] Consider possible topics: Examining other aspects of love.
Dan Hurley, Can You Make Yourself Smarter?
[Reflect] Make connections: Brain training games.
[Analyze] Use the basic features.
A Focused Explanation: Using an Example
A Clear, Logical Organization: Using Repetition to Create Cohesion
Appropriate Explanatory Strategies: Using a Variety of Strategies
Smooth Integration of Sources: Citing Sources for Academic Contexts
[Respond] Consider possible topics: Examining other aspects of intelligence.
Susan Cain, Shyness: Evolutionary Tactic?
[Reflect] Make connections: What’s wrong with being quiet?
[Analyze] Use the basic features.
A Focused Explanation: Presenting Established Information and Your Own Ideas
A Clear, Logical Organization: Creating Closure
Appropriate Explanatory Strategies: Using Comparison-Contrast
Smooth Integration of Sources: Using Evidence From a Source to Support a Claim
[Respond] Consider possible topics: Correcting a misunderstood concept.
Slate: What Extremely Walkable and Unwalkable Neighborhoods Look Like
[Analyze] Use the basic features.
Appropriate Explanatory Strategies: Making Textual vs. Visual Distinctions
[Respond] Consider possible topics: Exploring the concept more deeply.
Melinda Beck: What Cocktail Parties Teach Us
[Analyze] Use the basic features.
Appropriate Explanatory Strategies: Examining Causes and Effects
[Respond] Consider possible topics: Explaining a health- or behavior-related concept.
Playing with Genre: Infographics and other Concept Explanations online
[Reflect] Make connections: Multimedia explanations.
[Analyze] Use the basic features.
A Clear, Logical Organization: Using Tabs and Other Web Features
The Writing Assignment
Starting Points: Explaining a Concept
Writing a Draft: Invention, Research, Planning, and Composing
Choose a concept to write about.
Conduct initial research on the concept.
Focus your explanation of the concept.
Conduct further research on your focused concept.
Draft your working thesis.
Organize your concept explanation effectively for your readers.
Design your writing project.
Consider the explanatory strategies you should use.
Use summaries, paraphrases, and quotations from sources to support your points.
Use visuals or multimedia illustrations to enhance your explanation.
Use appositives to integrate sources.
Use descriptive verbs in signal phrases to introduce information from sources.
Write the opening sentences.
Draft your explanation.
Evaluating the Draft: Getting a Critical Reading
A Critical Reading Guide
Improving the Draft: Revising, Formatting, Editing, and Proofreading
Revise your draft.
A Troubleshooting Guide
Think about design.
Edit and proofread your draft.
Patricia Lyu’s Use of Sources
THINKING CRITICALLY
Reflecting on What You Have Learned
Reflecting on the Genre
Introduction
Practicing the Genre: Finding Common Ground
Analyzing Opposing Positions to Find Common Ground
Determine the writer’s purpose and audience.
Assess the genre’s basic features.
Jeremy Bernard, Lost Innocence
Chris Sexton: Virtual Reality?
Betsy Samson, Does Mother Know Best?
[Reflect] Make connections: Parenting styles.
[Analyze] Use the basic features.
An Informative Introduction to the Issue and Opposing Positions: Providing Background Information
A Probing Analysis: Exploring Points of Possible Agreement
A Fair and Impartial Presentation: Choice of Verbs
A Clear, Logical Organization: Using Transitions
[Respond] Consider possible topics: Debates about cultural issues.
Melissa Mae, Laying Claim to a Higher Morality
[Reflect] Make connections: Hollywood and the ticking time bomb scenario.
[Analyze] Use the basic features.
An Informative Introduction to the Issue and Opposing Positions: Placing the Issue in a Historical Context
A Probing Analysis: Exploring Moral Arguments
A Fair and Impartial Presentation: Using Authorities
A Clear, Logical Organization: Using Visuals
[Respond] Consider possible topics: Debates about current political issues.
David McCandless, InformationIsBeautiful.net: The Global Warming Skeptics vs. the Scientific Consensus
[Analyze] Use the basic features.
A Fair and Impartial Presentation: Exploring Objectivity in Graphics
[Respond] Consider possible topics: Exploring another scientific issue.
PLAYING WITH GENRE: Talk Shows and Blogs
Make connections: Examining what makes us happy.
[Analyze] Use the basic features.
A Fair and Impartial Presentation: Examining the Role of an Interviewer
The Writing Assignment
Starting Points: Finding Common Ground
Writing a Draft: Invention, Research, Planning, and Composing
Choose opposing argument essays to write about.
Analyze the opposing argument essays.
Think about your readers.
Research the issue.
Present the issue to your readers.
Develop your analysis.
Formulate a working thesis statement.
Define your purpose for your readers.
Consider your tone.
Weave quoted material into your own sentences.
Create an outline that will organize your analysis effectively for your readers.
Write the opening sentences.
Draft your essay finding common ground.
Evaluating the Draft: Getting a Critical Reading
A Critical Reading Guide
Improving the Draft: Revising, Formatting, Editing, and Proofreading
Revise your draft.
A Troubleshooting Guide
Think about design.
Edit and proofread your draft.
Betsy Samson’s Analysis of Opposing Argument Essays
THINKING CRITICALLY
Reflecting on What You Have Learned
Reflecting on the Genre
Understanding the Issue of Parenting Style
Amy Chua, Why Chinese Mothers Are Superior
Hanna Rosin, Mother Inferior?
Don Aucoin, For Some, Helicopter Parenting Delivers Benefits
Understanding the Issue of Sports Helmet Use
Nate Jackson, The NFL’s Head Cases
David Weisman, Disposable Heroes
Lane Wallace, Do Sports Helmets Help or Hurt?
Understanding the Issue of Compensating Organ Donors
Sally Satel, Yuan a Kidney?
National Kidney Foundation, Financial Incentives for Organ Donation
Scott Carney, Inside the Business of Selling Human Body Parts
Do unpaid internships exploit college students?
Raphael Pope-Sussman: Let’s Abolish This Modern-Day Coal Mine
David Lat: Why Mess With a Win-Win Situation?
Camille Olson: A Valuable Idea, If We Follow the Law
[ANALYZE] Use the basic features: A Probing Analysis: Finding Common Ground in a Debate
[RESPOND] Consider possible topics: Finding common ground in a debate.
Introduction
Practicing the Genre: Debating a Position
Analyzing Position Arguments
Determine the writer’s purpose and audience.
Assess the genre’s basic features.
Jessica Statsky, Children Need to Play, Not Compete
Michael Niechayev, It's Time to Ban Head-First Tackles and Blocks
Richard Estrada, Sticks and Stones and Sports Team Names
[Reflect] Make connections: The power of naming.
[Analyze] Use the basic features.
A Focused, Well-Presented Issue: Framing an Argument for Your Audience
A Well-Supported Position: Using Anecdotes and Examples
An Effective Response: Conceding and/or Refuting
A Clear, Logical Organization: Using Key Words
[Respond] Consider possible topics: Issues concerning fairness.
Amitai Etzionim, Working at McDonald’s
[Reflect] Make connections: useful job skills.
[Analyze] Use the basic features.
A Focused, Well-Presented Issue: Framing an Argument for a Diverse Group of Readers
A Well-Supported Position: Using Statistics
An Effective Response: Presenting and Reinterpreting Evidence to Undermine Objections
A Clear, Logical Organization: Providing Cues for Readers
[Respond] Consider possible topics: Issues facing students.
Daniel J. Solove, Why Privacy Matters Even If You Have “Nothing to Hide”
[Reflect] Make connections: Privacy concerns on the Internet.
[Analyze] Use the basic features.
A Focused, Well-Presented Issue: Reframing Through Contrast
A Well-Supported Position: Using Sources
An Effective Response: Refuting by Demonstrating the Effects
A Clear, Logical Organization: Using Cueing Devices
[Respond] Consider possible topics: Issues concerning privacy.
Farhad Manjoo, Troll, Reveal Thyself
[Analyze] Use the basic features.
An Effective Response to Opposing Views: Comparing Print and Audio Arguments
[Respond] Consider Possible Topics: Looking at Internet-related controversies.
Laurie Fendrich, Sex for Tuition
[Analyze] Use the basic features.
An Effective Response: Conceding and/or Refuting
[Respond] Consider Possible Topics: Looking at student-debt-related controversies.
Playing With Genre: Public Service Announcements
[Reflect] Make connections: Designing your own public-service ad.
[Analyze] Use the basic features.
A Focused, Well-Presented Issue: Examining Arguments in Advertising
The Writing Assignment
Starting Points: Arguing a Position
Writing a Draft: Invention, Research, Planning, and Composing
Choose a controversial issue on which to take a position.
Frame the issue for your readers.
Formulate a working thesis stating your position.
Develop the reasons supporting your position.
Research your position.
Use sources to reinforce your credibility.
Identify and respond to your readers’ likely reasons and objections.
Create an outline that will organize your argument effectively for your readers.
Consider document design.
Write the opening sentences.
Draft your position argument.
Evaluating the Draft: Getting a Critical Reading
A Critical Reading Guide
Improving the Draft: Revising, Formatting, Editing, and Proofreading
Revise your draft.
A Troubleshooting Guide
Think about design.
Edit and proofread your draft.
Jessica Statsky’s Response to Opposing Positions
Listing Reasons for the Opposing Position
Conceding a Plausible Reason
Refuting an Implausible Reason
THINKING CRITICALLY
Reflecting on What You Have Learned
Reflecting on the Genre
Introduction
Practicing the Genre: Arguing That a Solution Is Feasible
Analyzing Proposals
Determine the writer’s purpose and audience.
Assess the genre’s basic features.
Patrick O’Malley, More Testing, More Learning
Molly Coleman, Missing the Fun
David Bornstein, Fighting Bullying with Babies
[Reflect] Make connections: Thinking about perspective taking.
[Analyze] Use the basic features.
A Focused, Well-Defined Problem: Establishing the Problem
A Well-Argued Solution: Proving It Works
An Effective Response to Objections and Alternative Solutions: Rejecting the Standard Solution
A Clear, Logical Organization: Using Topic Sentences
[Respond] Consider possible topics: Tweaking others’ solutions.
Kelly D. Brownell and Thomas R. Frieden, Ounces of Prevention—The Public Policy Case for Taxes on Sugared Beverages
[Reflect] Make connections: Government problem solving.
[Analyze] Use the basic features.
A Focused, Well-Defined Problem: Citing Research Studies
A Well-Argued Solution: Using Comparison-Contrast and Classification
An Effective Response to Objections and Alternative Solutions: Handling Objections
A Clear, Logical Organization: Using Graphs
[Respond] Consider possible topics: Improving a group to which you belong.
Karen Kornbluh, Win-Win Flexibility
[Reflect] Make connections: The problem of child care.
[Analyze] Use the basic features.
A Focused, Well-Defined Problem: Using Statistics
A Well-Argued Solution: Giving Guidelines for Implementation
An Effective Response to Objections and Alternative Solutions: Anticipating Alternatives
A Clear, Logical Organization: Using Headings
[Respond] Consider possible topics: Improving living or working conditions.
TempoHousing: Keetwonen (Amsterdam Student Housing)
[Analyze] Use the basic features.
An effective response to objections and alternative solutions: responding multimodally to objections
[RESPOND] Consider possible topics: Living with less space.
Zach Youngerman: Did Bad Neighborhood Design Doom Trayvon Martin?
[Analyze] Use the basic features.
A Well-Argued Solution: Contrasting the Actual and the Possible
[RESPOND] Consider possible topics: Improving community design.
PLAYING WITH GENRE: Proposals in Public Service Announcements
[REFLECT] Make connections: Aiming for small changes.
[Analyze] Use the basic features.
A Focused, Well-Defined Problem: Presenting Problems in Advertising
The Writing Assignment
Starting Points: Proposing a Solution
Writing a Draft: Invention, Research, Planning, and Composing
Choose a problem for which you can propose a solution.
Frame the problem for your readers.
Use statistics to establish the problem’s existence and seriousness.
Assess how the problem has been framed, and reframe it for your readers.
Develop a possible solution.
Explain your solution.
Research your proposal.
Develop a response to objections or alternative solutions.
Create an outline that will organize your proposal effectively for your readers.
Write the opening sentences.
Draft your proposal.
Evaluating the Draft: Getting a Critical Reading
A Critical Reading Guide
Improving the Draft: Revising, Formatting, Editing, and Proofreading
Revise your draft.
A Troubleshooting Guide
Think about design.
Edit and proofread your draft.
Patrick O’Malley’s Revision Process
THINKING CRITICALLY
Reflecting on What You Have Learned
Reflecting on the Genre
Introduction
Practicing the Genre: Choosing Appropriate Criteria and Examples
Analyzing Evaluations
Determine the writer’s purpose and audience.
Assess the genre’s basic features.
William Akana, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: A Hell of a Ride
Brittany Lemus: Requiem for a Dream: Fantasy versus Reality
Steve Boxer, LA Noire Review
[Reflect] Make connections: Considering what makes genre fiction interesting.
[Analyze] Use the basic features.
A Well-Presented Subject: Deciding How Much to Tell Readers
A Well-Supported Judgment: Basing Judgments On Criteria
An Effective Response to Objections and Alternative Judgments: Anticipating Readers’ Concerns
A Clear, Logical Organization: Using Visuals and Headings
[Respond] Consider possible topics: Evaluating media.
Malcolm Gladwell, What College Rankings Really Tell Us
[Reflect] Make connections: Ideology underlying judgments.
[Analyze] Use the basic features.
A Well-Presented Subject: Introducing a Complicated Subject
A Well-Supported Judgment: Defining Criteria
An Effective Response to Objections and Alternative Judgments: Singling Out a Comment for Response
A Clear, Logical Organization: Using Comparison and Contrast
[Respond] Consider possible topics: Evaluating a text.
Christine Rosen, The Myth of Multitasking
[Reflect] Make connections: Advantages and disadvantages of multitasking.
[Analyze] Use the basic features.
A Well-Presented Subject: Using Definitions and Examples to Reframe the Subject
A Well-Supported Judgment: Using Authorities and Research Studies
An Effective Response to Objections and Alternative Judgments: Using Contrast
A Clear, Logical Organization: Cueing Readers
[Respond] Consider possible topics: Evaluating technology.
Marlon Bishop: Gig Alert: Bright Eyes
[Analyze] Use the basic features.
A Well-Presented Subject: Establishing and Applying Criteria in Music Reviews
[RESPOND] Consider possible topics: Evaluating music.
Jean M. Twenge and W. Keith Campbell: Isn’t Narcissism Beneficial, Especially in a Competitive World?
[Analyze] Use the basic features.
An Effective Response to Objections or Alternative Judgments: Looking for Concession, Accommodation, and Refutation
[RESPOND] Consider possible topics: Evaluating behavioral styles or trends.
Playing With Genre: Crowd-Source Evaluations
[REFLECT] Make connections: Evaluating sources of reviews.
[Analyze] Use the basic features.
A Well-Supported Judgment: Analyzing a Crowd-Sourced Review
The Writing Assignment
Starting Points: Justifying an Evaluation
Writing a Draft: Invention, Research, Planning, and Composing
Choose a subject to evaluate.
Assess your subject and consider how to present it to your readers.
Formulate a working thesis stating your overall judgment.
Develop the reasons and evidence supporting your judgment.
Research your evaluation.
Respond to a likely objection or alternative judgment.
Organize your draft to appeal to your readers.
Write the opening sentences.
Draft your evaluation.
Evaluating the Draft: Getting a Critical Reading
A Critical Reading Guide
Improving the Draft: Revising, Formatting, Editing, and Proofreading
Revise your draft.
A Troubleshooting Guide
Think about design.
Edit and proofread your draft.
William Akana’s Thesis and Response to Objections
THINKING CRITICALLY
Reflecting on What You Have Learned
Reflecting on the Genre
Introduction
Practicing the Genre: Arguing That a Cause Is Plausible
Analyzing Texts Speculating about Causes
Determine the writer’s purpose and audience.
Assess the genre’s basic features.
Sheila McClain, The Fitness Culture
Michele Cox, The Truth about Lying
Shankar Vedantam, The Telescope Effect
[Reflect] Make connections: Thinking about — and feeling —others’ suffering.
[Analyze] Use the basic features.
A Well-Presented Subject: Using Anecdote to Dramatize the Subject
A Well-Supported Causal Analysis: Using a Source
An Effective Response: Using Counterexamples
A Clear, Logical Organization: Using Rhetorical Questions
[Respond] Consider possible topics: Current events.
Stephen King, Why We Crave Horror Movies
[Reflect] Make connections: Media violence.
[Analyze] Use the basic features.
A Well-Presented Subject: Reframing the Subject for Readers
A Well-Supported Causal Analysis: Using Examples and Comparisons
An Effective Response: Putting Aside Obvious Causes
A Clear, Logical Organization: Using Cause-Effect Sentence Strategies
[Respond] Consider possible topics: Popular culture.
Erica Goode, The Gorge-Yourself Environment
[Reflect] Make connections: The freshman fifteen.
[Analyze] Use the basic features.
A Well-Presented Subject: Using Examples
A Well-Supported Causal Analysis: Depicting Research Graphically
An Effective Response: Answering an Objection
A Clear, Logical Organization: Forecasting Causes
[Respond] Consider possible topics: Social problems.
On the Media, The Reel Sounds of Violence
[Analyze] Use the basic features.
A Well-Presented, Intriguing Subject: Using Audio Examples
[RESPOND] Consider possible topics: Examining other movie trends.
Shirley S. Wang: A Field Guide to the Middle-Class U.S. Family
[Analyze] Use the basic features.
A Well-Supported Causal Analysis: Making Contrasts
[RESPOND] Consider possible topics: Exploring another family-related issue.
Playing With Genre: Graphics and Other Visuals
[REFLECT] Make connections: Discussing the personal effects of the financial crisis.
[Analyze] Use the basic features.
A Well-Supported Causal Analysis: Making Contrasts
The Writing Assignment
Starting Points: Speculating About Causes
Writing a Draft: Invention, Research, Planning, and Composing
Choose a subject to analyze.
Present the subject to your readers.
Analyze possible causes.
Conduct research.
Cite a variety of sources to support your causal analysis.
Formulate a working thesis stating your preferred cause(s).
Draft a response to objections readers are likely to raise.
Draft a response to the causes your readers are likely to favor.
Create an outline that will organize your causal analysis effectively for your readers.
Write the opening sentences.
Draft your causal analysis.
Evaluating the Draft: Getting a Critical Reading
A Critical Reading Guide
Improving the Draft: Revising, Formatting, Editing, and Proofreading
Revise your draft.
A Troubleshooting Guide
Think about design.
Edit and proofread your draft.
Sheila McClain’s Analysis of Possible Causes
Reflecting on What You Have Learned
Reflecting on the Genre
Introduction
Practicing the Genre: Analyzing a Story Collaboratively
Analyzing Essays That Analyze Stories
Determine the writer’s purpose and audience.
Assess the genre’s basic features.
Iris Lee, Performing a Doctor’s Duty
Sally Crane, Gazing into the Darkness
David Ratinov: From Innocence to Insight: “Araby” as an Initiation Story
Isabella Wright, “For Heaven’s Sake!”
[Analyze] Use the basic features.
A Clear, Arguable Thesis: Getting Beneath the Surface
A Well-Supported Argument: Pairing Textual Evidence with Analysis
A Clear, Logical Organization: Coordinating Key Words and Topic Sentences
Adrian Tomine: Mandarin Accent
[Analyze] Use the basic features.
A Well-Supported Argument: Examining Assertions in Graphic Fiction
[RESPOND] Consider possible topics: Analyzing other works of graphic fiction.
Sandra Tsing Loh: My Father’s Chinese Wives
[Analyze] Use the basic features.
A Well-Supported Argument: Examining Assertions in Graphic Fiction
[RESPOND] Consider possible topics: Analyzing other short stories about parents.
Playing With Genre: Adaptations, Sequels, and Parodies
[REFLECT] Make connections: Comparing books and movies.
[Analyze] Use the basic features.
A Well-Supported Argument: Transforming Fiction Into Film
GUIDE TO WRITING
The Writing Assignment
Starting Points: Analyzing Stories
Writing a Draft: Invention, Research, Planning, and Composing
Find a story to write about.
Analyze the story.
Formulate a working thesis.
Provide support for your argument.
To build on your support, consider doing outside research.
Create an outline that will organize your argument effectively.
Write the opening sentences.
Draft your analysis.
Evaluating the Draft: Getting a Critical Reading
A Critical Reading Guide
Improving the Draft: Revising, Formatting, Editing, and Proofreading
Revise your draft.
A Troubleshooting Guide
Think about design.
Edit and proofread your draft.
Isabella Wright’s Invention Work
THINKING CRITICALLY
Reflecting on What You Have Learned
Reflecting on the Genre
An Anthology of Short Stories
Kate Chopin, The Story of an Hour
James Joyce, Araby
William Carlos Williams, The Use of Force
Jamaica Kincaid, Girl
PART 2
Critical Thinking Strategies
Introduction
Mapping
Create a cluster diagram.
Make a list.
Create an outline.
Writing
Use cubing.
Construct a dialogue.
Use the five elements of dramatizing.
Freewrite for a set amount of time.
Keep a journal.
Use looping.
Ask questions.
Introduction
Annotating
Martin Luther King Jr., An Annotated Sample from “Letter from Birmingham Jail”
Taking Inventory
Outlining
Paraphrasing
Summarizing
Synthesizing
Contextualizing
Exploring the Significance of Figurative Language
Looking for Patterns of Opposition
Reflecting on Challenges to Your Beliefs and Values
Evaluating the Logic of an Argument
Test for appropriateness.
Test for believability.
Test for consistency and completeness.
Recognizing Emotional Manipulation
Judging the Writer’s Credibility
Test for knowledge.
Test for common ground.
Test for fairness.
PART 3
Writing Strategies
Introduction
Orienting Statements
Use thesis statements to announce the main idea.
Use forecasting statements to preview topics.
Paragraphing
Paragraph indents signal related ideas.
Topic sentences announce the paragraph’s focus.
Cohesive Devices
Pronouns connect phrases or sentences.
Word repetition aids cohesion.
Synonyms connect ideas.
Sentence structure repetition emphasizes connections.
Collocation creates networks of meaning.
Transitions
Transitions emphasize logical relationships.
Transitions can indicate a sequence in time.
Transitions can indicate relationships in space.
Headings and Subheadings
Headings indicate sections and levels.
Headings are not common in all genres.
At least two headings are needed at each level.
Introduction
Narrating Strategies
Use calendar and clock time to create a sequence of events.
Use temporal transitions to establish an action sequence.
Use verb tense to place actions in time.
Use narrative action for vivid sequences.
Use dialogue to dramatize events.
Narrating a Process
Use process narratives to explain.
Use process narratives to instruct.
Sentence Strategies for Narration
Introduction
Naming
Detailing
Comparing
Using Sensory Description
Describe what you saw.
Describe what you heard.
Describe what you smelled.
Describe tactile sensations.
Describe flavors.
Creating a Dominant Impression
Sentence Strategies for Description
Introduction
Sentence Definitions
Extended Definitions
Historical Definitions
Stipulative Definitions
Sentence Strategies for Definition
Introduction
Organizing Classification
Illustrating Classification
Maintaining Clarity and Coherence
Sentence Strategies for Classification
Introduction
Two Ways of Comparing and Contrasting
Analogy
Sentence Strategies for Comparison and Contrast
Introduction
Asserting a Thesis
Make arguable assertions.
Use clear and precise wording.
Qualify the thesis appropriately.
Giving Reasons and Support
Use representative examples for support.
Use up-to-date, relevant, and accurate statistics.
Cite reputable authorities on relevant topics.
Use vivid, relevant anecdotes.
Use relevant textual evidence.
Responding to Objections and Alternatives
Acknowledge readers’ concerns.
Concede readers’ concerns.
Refute readers’ objections.
Logical Fallacies
Sentence Strategies for Argument
Introduction
Criteria for Analyzing Visuals
A Sample Analysis
Introduction
The Impact of Document Design
Considering Context, Audience, and Purpose
Elements of Document Design
Choose readable fonts.
Use headings to organize your writing.
Use lists to highlight steps or key points.
Use colors with care.
Use white space to make text readable.
Adding Visuals
Choose and design visuals with their final use in mind.
Number, title, and label visuals.
Cite visual sources.
Integrate the visual into the text.
Use common sense when creating visuals on a computer.
Introduction
Memos
Letters
Résumés
Job-Application Letters
Web Pages
Lab Reports
PART 4
Research Strategies
Introduction
Analyzing Your Rhetorical Situation and Setting a Schedule
Choosing a Topic and Getting an Overview
Narrowing Your Topic and Drafting Research Questions
Establishing a Research Log
Creating a Working Bibliography
Annotating Your Working Bibliography
Taking Notes on Your Sources
Introduction
Searching Library Catalogs and Databases
Use appropriate search terms.
Narrow (or expand) your results.
Find books (and other sources) through your library’s catalog.
Find articles in periodicals using your library’s databases.
Find government documents and statistical information.
Find Web sites and interactive sources.
Conducting Field Research
Conduct observational studies.
Conduct interviews.
Conduct surveys.
Introduction
Choosing Relevant Sources
Choosing Reliable Sources
Who wrote it?
When was it published?
Is the source scholarly, popular, or for a trade group?
Who published it?
How is the source written?
What does the source say?
Introduction
Synthesizing Sources
Acknowledging Sources and Avoiding Plagiarism
What does and does not need to be acknowledged?
Avoid plagiarism by acknowledging sources and quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing carefully.
Using Information from Sources to Support Your Claims
Decide whether to quote, paraphrase, or summarize.
Copy quotations exactly, or use italics, ellipses, and brackets to indicate changes.
Use in-text or block quotations.
Use punctuation to integrate quotations into your writing.
Paraphrase sources carefully.
Summaries should present the source’s main ideas in a balanced and readable way.
Introduction
Citing Sources in the Text
Creating a List of Works Cited
Student Research Project in MLA Style
Introduction
Citing Sources in the Text
Creating a List of References
A Sample Reference List
PART 5
Writing for Assessment
Introduction
Preparing for an Exam
Taking the Exam
Read the exam carefully.
Write your answer.
Introduction
The Purposes of a Writing Portfolio
Assembling a Portfolio for Your Composition Course
Select your work.
Reflect on your work and what you have learned.
Organize your portfolio.
PART 6
Writing and Speaking to Wider Audiences
Introduction
Preparing
Understand the kind of oral presentation you have been asked to give.
Assess your audience and purpose.
Determine how much information you can present in the allotted time.
Use cues to orient listeners.
Prepare effective and appropriate visuals.
Verify that you will have the correct equipment and supplies.
Rehearse your presentation.
Delivering Your Oral Presentation
Introduction
Working with Others on Your Individual Writing Projects
Working with Others on Joint Writing Projects
Introduction
Using Your Service Experience as Source Material
Find a topic.
Gather sources.
Writing about Your Service Experience
Writing for Your Service Organization
Contents
How to Use This Handbook
Top 25 Errors in Student Papers
Keeping a Record of Your Own Errors
S Sentence Boundaries
S1 Comma Splices
S2 Fused Sentences
S3 Sentence Fragments
G Grammatical Sentences
G1 Pronoun Reference
G2 Pronoun Agreement
G2-a Use pronouns and antecedents that agree in number.
G2-b Use masculine, feminine, or gender-free forms to match a pronoun with its antecedent.
G3 Relative Pronouns
G3-a Select who for references to people, which for nonrestrictive references to things, and that for restrictive references to groups and things.
G3-b Use who as a subject and whom as an object.
G4 Pronoun Case
G5 Verbs
G5-a Select the appropriate verb tense to place events in past, present, and future time.
G5-b Use the correct verb endings and verb forms
G5-c Choose the correct form of a verb to show the indicative, imperative, or subjunctive mood.
G5-d Use verbs primarily in the active voice.
G6 Subject-Verb Agreement
G6-a Make sure the subject and verb agree even if they are separated by other words.
G6-b Use a singular verb with a subject that is a collective noun.
G6-c Use a verb that agrees with a subject placed after it.
G6-d Use a plural verb with a compound subject.
G6-e Use a verb that agrees with the antecedent of the pronouns who, which, or that.
G6-f Use a singular verb with an indefinite pronoun.
G6-g Use a verb that agrees with the subject rather than a subject complement.
G7 Adjectives and Adverbs
G7-a Select an adverb, not an adjective, to modify an adjective, another adverb, or a verb
G7-b Select an adjective, not an adverb, to modify a noun or pronoun.
G7-c Select the correct forms of adjectives and adverbs to show comparisons.
E Effective Sentences
E1 Missing Words
E1-a Supply prepositions, conjunctions, infinitive parts, articles, and verb parts when needed for clarity.
E1-b Insert the word that if needed to prevent confusion or misreading.
E1-c Add words to a comparison to make it logical, clear, and complete.
E1-d Supply all words needed to clarify the parts of a compound structure.
E2 Shifts
E2-a Use one verb tense consistently in a passage unless a tense change is needed to show a time change.
E2-b Change the nouns and pronouns in a passage to a consistent person and number.
E2-c Establish a consistent mood and voice in a passage.
E2-d Use either direct or indirect quotation without mixing the two.
E3 Noun Agreement
E3-a Select corresponding singular or plural forms for related references to a noun.
E3-b Decide whether a noun should be singular or plural.
E4 Modifiers
E4-a Place a word, phrase, or clause next to or close to the word that it modifies.
E4-b Place a modifier so that it qualifies the meaning of a particular word in the sentence instead of dangling.
E4-c Place a limiting modifier just before the word it modifies.
E4-d Keep the two parts of an infinitive together.
E5 Mixed Constructions
E5-a Begin and end a sentence with the same structural pattern.
E5-b Match the subject and the predicate in a sentence so that they are compatible.
E5-c Order words logically so that the meaning of the sentence will be clear.
E5-d Eliminate the phrase is where, is when, or the reason is because, and then rewrite the sentence so that it is clear and logical.
E6 Integrated Quotations, Questions, and Thoughts
E6-a Integrate direct quotations into sentences responsibly and correctly.
E6-b Integrate a question so that its source is clear.
E6-c Integrate thoughts so that they are clearly identified and consistently punctuated.
E7 Parallelism
E7-a Each item in a series must follow the same grammatical pattern as the other items.
E7-b Both items in a pair must follow the same grammatical pattern.
E7-c In a comparison using than or as, the items must use the same grammatical form.
E7-d Use parallel form for items joined by correlative conjunctions.
E8 Coordination and Subordination
E8-a Use coordination to join sentence elements that are equally important.
E8-b Use subordination to indicate that one sentence element is more important than other elements.
W Word Choice
W1 Concise Sentences
W1-a Eliminate or rewrite redundant expressions.
W1-b Eliminate words that do not add to a sentence’s meaning.
W1-c Eliminate unnecessary intensifiers or hedges.
W1-d Eliminate unnecessary prepositions.
W2 Exact Words
W2-a Replace incorrect words with intended words.
W2-b Use correct prepositions.
W2-c Use standard idioms.
W2-d Eliminate clichés or overused expressions.
W2-e Select the correct form of the word that you intend.
W2-f Use appropriate figures of speech.
W3 Appropriate Words
W3-a Use the level of formality expected in your writing situation.
W3-b Limit the use of slang in formal writing situations.
W3-c Use nonsexist language.
W3-d Replace pretentious language with simpler, more direct wording.
P Punctuation
P1 Commas
P1-a Add a comma between independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction.
P1-b Place a comma after an introductory word, phrase, or clause.
P1-c Use commas to set off a nonrestrictive word group.
P1-d Use commas to set off a transitional, parenthetical, or contrasting expression or an absolute phrase.
P1-e Use commas to separate three or more items in a series, placing the final comma before the conjunction.
P1-f Use a comma before a trailing nonrestrictive participial phrase.
P1-g Place a comma between a complete direct quotation and the text identifying the speaker.
P1-h Add a comma (or pair of commas in the middle of a sentence) to set off expressions commonly included in dialogue.
P1-i Use a comma between coordinate adjectives.
P1-j Add commas where needed to set off dates, numbers, and addresses.
P2 Unnecessary Commas
P2-a Omit the comma when items in a pair are joined by a coordinating conjunction.
P2-b Omit any comma that sets off a restrictive word group.
P2-c Omit any commas that unnecessarily separate a subject and verb or a verb and its object.
P2-d Omit a comma that separates the main part of the sentence from a trailing adverbial clause.
P2-e Leave out commas that separate cumulative adjectives.
P2-f Omit any comma that appears before or after a series of items.
P2-g Omit or correct any other unnecessary or incorrect commas.
P3 Semicolons
P3-a Use a semicolon to join independent clauses if the second clause restates or sets up a contrast to the first.
P3-b Use semicolons to separate items in a series when they include internal commas.
P3-c Use a semicolon to join a series of independent clauses when they include other punctuation.
P3-d Use a semicolon to join two independent clauses when the second clause contains a conjunctive adverb or a transitional expression.
P3-e Omit a semicolon used incorrectly to replace a comma or another punctuation mark.
P4 Colons
P4-a Use a colon to introduce a list, an appositive, a quotation, a question, or a statement.
P4-b Correct unnecessary or incorrect colons.
P5 Dashes
P5-a Type, space, and position a dash correctly.
P5-b Consider using a dash to set off material from the rest of the sentence.
P5-c Rewrite a sentence that uses the dash inappropriately or excessively.
P6 Quotation Marks
P6-a Set off direct quotations with quotation marks.
P6-b Follow convention in using punctuation at the end of a quotation, after a signal phrase or speaker tag (she said), and with other punctuation.
P6-c Enclose titles of short works in quotation marks.
P6-d Use single quotation marks inside double quotation marks to show a quotation within a quotation.
P6-e Omit or correct quotation marks used excessively or incorrectly.
P7 Apostrophes
P7-a Use an apostrophe to show the possessive form of a noun.
P7-b Add an apostrophe to show where letters or figures are omitted from a contraction.
P7-c Check your style guide to determine whether to include an apostrophe to form the plural of a number, a letter, or an abbreviation.
P7-d Add -’s to form the possessive of an indefinite pronoun but not a personal pronoun.
P7-e Omit unnecessary or incorrect apostrophes.
P8 Parentheses
P8-a Add parentheses to enclose additions to a sentence.
P8-b Correct the punctuation used with parentheses, and omit unnecessary parentheses.
P9 Brackets
P10 Ellipsis Marks
P11 Slashes
P12 Periods
P13 Question Marks
P14 Exclamation Points
M Mechanics
M1 Hyphens
M1-a Use a hyphen to join compound adjectives that precede nouns.
M1-b Present a compound noun as one word, as separate words, or as a hyphenated compound.
M1-c Spell words formed with most prefixes as one word with no hyphen.
M1-d Use a hyphen when necessary to avoid ambiguity.
M1-e Insert a hyphen between syllables to divide a word at the end of a line.
M2 Capitalization
M2-a Capitalize proper nouns.
M2-b Capitalize the word that begins a sentence.
M2-c Capitalize the first word in a quotation unless it is integrated into your own wording or continues an interrupted quotation.
M2-d Capitalize titles and subtitles of longer works, such as books, magazines, and newspapers.
M2-e Capitalize a title that precedes a person’s name.
M2-f Avoid overusing capitalization for emphasis.
M3 Spacing
M3-a Supply any missing space before or after a punctuation mark.
M3-b Close up any unnecessary space between words and punctuation marks.
M4 Numbers
M4-a Spell out select types of numbers in most nonscientific college writing.
M4-b Use numerals for numbers over a hundred, in fractions and percentages, with abbreviations and symbols, in dates and addresses, and for page numbers and sections of books.
M5 Italics
M5-a Italicize titles of long or self-contained works.
M5-b Italicize words used as words and letters and numbers used as themselves.
M5-c Italicize names of planes, ships, and other vehicles; foreign words not commonly used in English; and, on occasion, words that need special emphasis.
M5-d Italicize when appropriate, but not in place of or in addition to other conventional uses of punctuation and mechanics.
M6 Abbreviations
M6-a Use abbreviations that your readers will recognize for names of agencies, organizations, countries, and common technical terms.
M6-b Use a.m., p.m., no., $, BC, and AD only with specific numerals or dates.
M6-c Use commonly accepted abbreviations for titles, degrees, and Latin terms.
M6-d Use abbreviations when appropriate, but do not use them to replace words in most writing.
M7 Spelling
M7-a Study the spelling rules for adding prefixes and suffixes to words.
M7-b Study the spelling rules (and the exceptions) that apply to words you routinely misspell.
M7-c Watch for words that are often spelled incorrectly because they sound like other words
M7-d Watch for words that are often misspelled
T Troublespots for Multilingual Writers
T1 Articles
T1-a Select the correct article to use with a count noun.
T1-b Select the correct article to use with a noncount noun.
T1-c Select the correct article to use with a proper noun.
T2 Verbs
T2-a Select verb tenses carefully in main clauses and conditional clauses.
T2-b Learn the meanings of idiomatic two- and three-word verbs used in English.
T2-c Use the correct verb forms after helping verbs.
T2-d Follow verbs with gerunds or infinitives.
T3 Prepositions
T4 Omitted or Repeated Words
T5 Adjective Order
T6 Participles
R Review of Sentence Structure
R1 Basic Sentence Structure
R1-a Words, Phrases, and Clauses
R1-b Sentence Units
R1-c Types of Simple Sentences
R1-d Combinations and Transformations
R2 Basic Sentence Elements
R2-a Parts of Speech
R2-b Dependent Clauses
R2-c Phrases
GL Glossary of Frequently Misused Words
About this Book
What Makes The Guide Special
Advisory board and Acknowledgments
More Options for Teachers and Students
Correction Symbols
Index
Index A
Index B
Index C
Index D
Index E
Index F
Index G
Index H
Index I
Index J
Index K
Index L
Index M
Index N
Index O
Index P
Index Q
Index R
Index S
Index T
Index U
Index V
Index W
Index X, Y, Z
Index