About this Book
Cover Page
Inside Front Cover
Accessibility
Brief Contents
Halftitle Page
Title Page
Copyright Page
Contents
Student Essays
Preface
Chapter 1 Foundations for Becoming a Successful College Writer
Understanding the Rhetorical Situation
Understanding Multimodality
Composing Multimodal Texts
Academic Habits of Mind
Reflect on your habits of mind.
The Writing Process
A Writer at Work: Selena Jiménez’s Writing Process
Generating Ideas
Planning a Draft
Writing a Draft
Getting Feedback from Others
Preparing to Revise
Revising Deeply
Part 1 Writing Activities
Chapter 2 Autobiography and Literacy Narratives
Guide to Reading: Analyzing Autobiographies and Literacy Narratives
Determine the writer’s purpose and audience.
Assess the genre’s basic features.
Readings
Rhea Jameson, Mrs. Maxon
Molly Montgomery, Literacy Narrative: In Search of Dumplings and Dead Poets
Make connections: Learning by leaving home.
Use the basic features.
Consider possible topics: Exploring how your identity affects your relationships.
Ta-Nehisi Coates, Losing My Innocence
Make connections: The media as a window onto another world.
Use the basic features.
Consider possible topics: Thinking about the cultural context.
Elissa Washuta, Wednesday Addams Is Just Another Settler
Make connections: Searching for identity.
Use the basic features.
Consider possible topics: Recognizing a public event or holiday as a turning point.
Guide to Writing: The Writing Assignment
Writing a Draft: Invention, Research, Planning, and Composing
Choose an experience to write about.
Give your story a dramatic arc.
Use tenses to clarify the sequence of actions.
Describe key people and places vividly, and show their significance.
Use dialogue to portray people and dramatize relationships.
Clarify your story’s significance.
Write the opening sentences.
Draft your story.
Evaluating the Draft: Using Peer Review
Improving the Draft: Revising, Editing, and Proofreading
Revise your draft.
Edit and proofread your final draft.
A Writer at Work: Dramatizing Conflict and Developing Significance in Rhea Jameson’s Literacy Narrative
Reflection: Reflecting on Reading and Writing Autobiographical and Literacy Narratives
Chapter 3 Writing Profiles
Guide to Reading: Analyzing Profiles
Determine the writer’s purpose and audience.
Assess the genre’s basic features.
Readings
Brian Cable, The Last Stop
Victoria C. Moré, Dumpster Dinners: An Ethnography of Freeganism
Make connections: Throw-away society.
Use the basic features.
Consider possible topics: Using profile to learn.
Amanda Coyne, The Long Good-Bye: Mother’s Day in Federal Prison
Make connections: Unfair punishment.
Use the basic features.
Consider possible topics: Profiling one instance of a recurring event.
Gabriel Thompson, A Gringo in the Lettuce Fields
Make connections: Switching perspectives.
Use the basic features.
Consider possible topics: Immersing yourself.
Guide to Writing: The Writing Assignment
Writing a Draft: Invention, Research, Planning, and Composing
Choose a subject to profile.
Conduct your field research or investigation.
Use quotations that provide information and reveal character.
Consider adding visual or audio elements.
Create an Outline that will organize your profile effectively for your readers.
Determine your role in the profile.
Develop your perspective on the subject.
Clarify the dominant impression.
Write the opening sentences.
Draft your profile.
Evaluating the Draft: Using Peer Review
Improving the Draft: Revising, Editing, and Proofreading
Revise your draft.
Edit and proofread your final draft.
A Writer at Work: Brian Cable’s Interview Notes and Write-Up
The Interview Notes
The Interview Write-Up
Reflection: Reflecting on Reading and Writing a Profile
Chapter 4 Explaining a Concept
Guide to Reading: Analyzing Concept Explanations
Determine the writer’s purpose and audience.
Assess the genre’s basic features.
Readings
Rosa Alexander, The Meme-ing of Trigger Warnings
Anastasia Toufexis, Love: The Right Chemistry
Make connections: How love works.
Use the basic features.
Consider possible topics: Examining other aspects of love.
Lindsay Grace, Persuasive Play: Designing Games That Change Players
Make connections: Your experience with persuasive play.
Use the basic features.
Consider possible topics: Explaining the differences between related concepts.
Wesley Morris, Who Gets to Decide What Belongs in the “Canon”?
Make connections: Recognizing a human impulse.
Use the basic features.
Consider possible topics: Evolving concepts.
Guide to Writing: The Writing Assignment
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.
Create an outline that will 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.
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: Using Peer Review
Improving the Draft: Revising, Editing, and Proofreading
Revise your draft.
Edit and proofread your final draft.
A Writer at Work: Rosa Alexander Focuses Her Concept Explanation
Reflection: Reflecting on Reading and Writing a Concept Analysis
Chapter 5 Analyzing and Synthesizing Opposing Arguments
Guide to Reading: Analyzing Opposing Arguments
Determine the writer’s purpose and audience.
Assess the genre’s basic features.
Readings
Max King, Freedom of or from Speech
Tyler Stiem, Statue Wars: What Should We Do with Troublesome Monuments?
Make connections: What do you think about this issue?
Use the basic features.
Consider possible topics: Contextualizing current controversies.
Emily Stewart, The Debate over Joe Biden Canceling Student Debt, Explained
Make connections: The role of government in college affordability issues.
Use the basic features.
Consider possible topics: Measuring support.
David Wallace-Wells, People Don’t Trust Public-Health Experts Because Public-Health Experts Don’t Trust People
Make connections: Evaluating your own experience.
Use the basic features.
Consider possible topics: Contemplating issues where the problem is communication.
Guide to Writing: The Writing Assignment
Writing a Draft: Invention, Research, Planning, and Composing
Choose a controversial issue to write about.
Conduct research.
Create an annotated working bibliography.
Analyze your audience.
Choose opposing arguments to analyze.
Analyze and synthesize the opposing arguments.
Draft a working thesis.
Create an outline to plan or assess your organization.
Develop your analysis.
Draft the opening sentences.
Draft your analysis.
Evaluating the Draft: Using Peer Review
Improving the Draft: Revising, Editing, and Proofreading
Revise your draft.
Edit and proofread your final draft.
A Writer at Work: Max King’s Analysis
Reflection: Reflecting on Reading and Writing an Analysis of Opposing Arguments
Chapter 6 Arguing a Position
Guide to Reading: Analyzing Position Arguments
Determine the writer’s purpose and audience.
Assess the genre’s basic features.
Readings
Soham Patil, Stay in Class, Not Online
Laura Beth Nielsen, The Case for Restricting Hate Speech
Make connections: Handling hate speech.
Use the basic features.
Consider possible topics: Issues regarding free speech.
Scott Nolen, The “Seatbelt” Approach to the Opioid Crisis
Make connections: Critiquing current policy.
Use the basic features.
Consider possible topics: Issues that require reframing.
Daniel J. Solove, Why Privacy Matters Even If You Have “Nothing to Hide”
Make connections: Privacy concerns on the internet.
Use the basic features.
Consider possible topics: Issues concerning privacy.
Guide to Writing: The Writing Assignment
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: Using Peer Review
Improving the Draft: Revising, Editing, and Proofreading
Revise your draft.
Edit and proofread your final draft.
A Writer at Work: Soham Patil’s Response to Instructor and Peer Feedback
Revising Sentences
Introducing Sources and Integrating Quotes
Revising for Focus and Clarity
Reflection: Reflecting on Reading and Writing a Position Argument
Chapter 7 Proposing a Solution
Guide to Reading: Analyzing Proposals
Determine the writer’s purpose and audience.
Assess the genre’s basic features.
Readings
Patrick O’Malley, More Testing, More Learning
David Figlio, Starting High School Later
Make connections: Consider your own experience.
Use the basic features.
Consider possible topics: Problems involving schools.
Maryanne Wolf, Skim Reading Is the New Normal
Make connections: Improving a democratic society.
Use the basic features.
Consider possible topics: The effects of digital reading.
Alice Wong, The Last Straw
Make connections: Hospitality and accessibility.
Use the basic features.
Consider possible topics: Improving a group to which you belong.
Guide to Writing: The Writing Assignment
Writing a Draft: Invention, Research, Planning, and Composing
Choose a problem for which you can propose a solution.
Frame the problem for your readers.
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: Using Peer Review
Improving the Draft: Revising, Editing, and Proofreading
Revise your draft.
Edit and proofread your final draft.
A Writer at Work: Patrick O’Malley’s Revision Process
Reflection: Reflecting on Reading and Writing Proposals
Chapter 8 Justifying an Evaluation
Guide to Reading: Analyzing Evaluations
Determine the writer’s purpose and audience.
Assess the genre’s basic features.
Readings
William Akana, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: A Hell of a Ride
Tasha Robinson, Moana: The Perfect Disney Movie
Make connections: The Disney princess culture.
Use the basic features.
Consider possible topics: Reviewing media.
Katherine Isbister, Why Pokémon Go Became an Instant Phenomenon
Make connections: Evaluating a game.
Use the basic features.
Consider possible topics: Analyzing a game — old or new.
Malcolm Gladwell, What College Rankings Really Tell Us
Make connections: Ideology underlying judgments.
Use the basic features.
Consider possible topics: Evaluating a text.
Guide to Writing: The Writing Assignment
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 evaluation to appeal to your readers.
Consider document design.
Write the opening sentences.
Draft your evaluation.
Evaluating the Draft: Using Peer Review
Improving the Draft: Revising, Editing, and Proofreading
Revise your draft.
Edit and proofread your final draft.
A Writer at Work: William Akana’s Thesis and Response to Objections
Reflection: Reflecting on Reading and Writing an Evaluation
Chapter 9 Arguing for Causes or Effects
Guide to Reading: Analyzing Cause-Effect Arguments
Determine the writer’s purpose and audience.
Assess the genre’s basic features.
Readings
Clayton Pangelinan, #socialnetworking: Why It’s Really So Popular
Stephen King, Why We Crave Horror Movies
Make connections: Media violence.
Use the basic features.
Consider possible topics: Popular culture.
Jean M. Twenge, Have Smartphones Destroyed a Generation?
Make connections: Effects of social media.
Use the basic features.
Consider possible topics: Social media and new technologies.
Shankar Vedantam, The Telescope Effect
Make connections: Thinking about—and feeling—others’ suffering.
Use the basic features.
Consider possible topics: Current events.
Guide to Writing: The Writing Assignment
Writing a Draft: Invention, Research, Planning, and Composing
Choose a subject to analyze.
Present the subject to your readers.
Analyze possible causes or effects.
Conduct research.
Cite a variety of sources to support your cause-effect analysis.
Formulate a working thesis stating your preferred cause(s) or effect(s).
Draft a response to objections readers are likely to raise.
Draft a response to the causes or effects your readers are likely to favor.
Create an outline that will organize your cause-effect argument effectively for your readers.
Write the opening sentences.
Draft your cause-effect argument.
Evaluating the Draft: Using Peer Review
Improving the Draft: Revising, Editing, and Proofreading
Revise your draft.
Edit and proofread your final draft.
A Writer at Work: Clayton Pangelinan’s Analysis of Possible Causes
Reflection: Reflecting on Reading and Writing a Cause-Effect Analysis
Chapter 10 Analyzing Stories
Guide to Reading: Analyzing Essays That Analyze Stories
Determine the writer’s purpose and audience.
Assess the genre’s basic features.
Readings
William Carlos Williams, The Use of Force
Iris Lee, Performing a Doctor’s Duty
Isabella Wright, “For Heaven’s Sake!”
Use the basic features.
Guide to Writing: The Writing Assignment
Writing a Draft: Invention, Research, Planning, and Composing
Find a story to write about.
Analyze the story.
Generate ideas by moving from specific to general or the reverse.
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: Using Peer Review
Improving the Draft: Revising, Editing, and Proofreading
Revise your draft.
Edit and proofread your final draft.
A Writer at Work: Isabella Wright’s Invention Work
Annotating
Examining Patterns in the Story
Listing Ideas
Reflection: Reflecting on Reading and Writing a Literary Analysis
An Anthology of Short Stories
Kate Chopin, The Story of an Hour
Jamaica Kincaid, Girl
Ted Chiang, The Great Silence
Jennifer Allora and Guillermo Calzadilla (in collaboration with Ted Chiang), The Great Silence Exhibition
Reflection: Reflecting on Analyzing Stories
Part 2 Critical Thinking Strategies
Chapter 11 A Catalog of Invention and Inquiry Strategies
Mapping
Create a cluster diagram to reveal relationships among ideas.
Make a list to generate a plan quickly.
Create an outline to invent and organize.
Writing
Use cubing to explore a topic from six perspectives.
Construct a dialogue to explore an experience or an alternative view.
Use dramatizing to analyze behavior.
Freewrite to generate ideas freely and creatively.
Use looping to explore aspects of a topic.
Take notes in a journal.
Ask questions to explore a subject systematically.
Chapter 12 A Catalog of Reading Strategies
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
Chapter 13 Cueing the Reader
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.
Repetition of sentence structure emphasizes connections.
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.
Chapter 14 Narrating and Describing
Narrating
Use narrating strategies to sequence and dramatize events.
Use narrating strategies to explain and instruct.
Describing
Use naming to give an overall impression.
Use detailing to add specifics and convey thoughts, feelings, and judgments.
Use comparisons to make a description vivid and convey emotion.
Use sensory description to convey what you saw, heard, smelled, felt, and tasted.
Use description to create a dominant impression.
Chapter 15 Defining, Classifying, and Comparing
Defining
Use sentence definitions to explain terms and concepts briefly.
Use extended definitions to convey the meaning of complex concepts.
Use historical definitions to explain how a meaning has changed over time or across cultures.
Use stipulative definitions to reach an agreement on the meaning of a term or concept.
Classifying
Use topics and subtopics to organize classifications.
Use graphics to depict a classification scheme.
Use cues to maintain clarity and coherence in a classification.
Comparing and Contrasting
Use chunking or sequencing to organize comparisons and contrasts.
Use analogies to make comparisons clear and vivid.
Chapter 16 Arguing
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.
Identifying Logical Fallacies
Part 4 Research Strategies
Chapter 17 Planning and Conducting Research
Analyzing Your Rhetorical Situation and Setting a Schedule
Choosing a Topic and Getting an Overview
Focusing Your Topic and Drafting Research Questions
Establishing a Research Log
Develop a list of search terms.
Create a working bibliography.
Annotating Your Working Bibliography
Taking Notes on Your Sources
Finding Sources
Search library catalogs and databases.
Find books (and other sources).
Find articles in periodicals.
Find government documents and statistical information.
Find websites and interactive sources.
Conducting Field Research or Investigations
Conduct observational studies.
Conduct interviews.
Conduct surveys.
Chapter 18 Selecting and Evaluating Sources
Selecting Relevant Sources
Evaluating Sources
Who wrote it?
How recently 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?
Chapter 19 Using Sources to Support Your Ideas
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.
Write summaries that present the source’s main ideas in a balanced and readable way.
Chapter 20 Citing and Documenting Sources in MLA Style
Citing Sources in the Text
Directory to In-Text-Citation Models
Creating a List of Works Cited
To cite a source without a model, use a similar model, or devise your own using the general principles.
Format your list of works cited.
Directory to Works-Cited-List Models
Student Research Project in MLA Style
Chapter 21 Citing and Documenting Sources in APA Style
Citing Sources in the Text
Directory to In-Text-Citation Models
Creating a List of References
Directory to Reference-List Models
A Sample Reference List in APA Style
Part 5 Composing Strategies for College and Beyond
Chapter 22 Analyzing and Composing Multimodal Texts
Analyzing Multimodal Texts
Composing Multimodal Texts
Design a multimodal text.
Embed visuals and media in texts.
Creating a Multimodal Presentation
Assess your rhetorical situation.
Determine how much information you can present in the allotted time.
Use cues to orient audience members.
Design your presentation effectively.
Chapter 23 Taking Essay Examinations
Preparing for an Exam
Taking the Exam
Read the exam carefully.
Review typical essay exam questions.
Write your answer.
Chapter 24 Writing in Business
Business Letters
E-mail
Résumés and Online Professional Profiles
Job-Application Letters
Chapter 25 Writing for and about Your Community
Writing about Your Service Experience
Find a topic.
Gather sources.
Writing for Your Service Organization
Chapter 26 Writing Collaboratively
Working with Others on Your Individual Writing Projects
Collaborating on Joint Writing Projects
Handbook
How to Use This Handbook
Keeping a Record of Your 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 the 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 a 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, and articles 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 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 redundancies and repetition.
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 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., and $ 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
Acknowledgments
Index
A Guide to Editing and Proofreading
Extended Descriptions
The front cover of the book, The St. Martin’s Guide to Writing, thirteenth edition, by Rise B. Axelrod, Charles R. Cooper, Ellen C. Carillo, and Wallace T. Cleaves
The inside front cover of the book, The St. Martin’s Guide to Writing, thirteenth edition, by Rise B. Axelrod, Charles R. Cooper, Ellen C. Carillo, and Wallace T. Cleaves
A cluster chart explores college affordability
Page 1 of a revised draft of an essay
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Rhea Jameson, “Mrs. Maxon,”; with highlights and annotations
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Brian Cable, “The Last Stop,” with marginal notes
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Brian Cable’s “The Last Stop” continues, with highlighted text and marginal notes
Brian Cable’s “The Last Stop” continues, with highlighted text and marginal notes
Brian Cable’s “The Last Stop” continues, with highlighted text and marginal notes
A Monday through Friday calendar guide illustrates how to prepare for interviews and observations. The calendar guide shows various tasks marked in different colors on different dates
Rosa Alexander’s “The Meme-ing of Trigger Warnings” with highlights and marginal notes
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Rosa Alexander’s “The Meme-ing of Trigger Warnings” continues with highlights and marginal notes
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Rosa Alexander’s “The Meme-ing of Trigger Warnings” continues with highlights and marginal notes
Rosa Alexander’s “The Meme-ing of Trigger Warnings” continues with highlights and marginal notes followed by works cited section
An illustration titled “How Do Fools Fall In Love?” shows two stylized figures of a man and a woman facing each other. Three numbered annotations point to their heads. Their hearts are connected by a common arrow
A sketched illustration shows the game board for “The Landlord’s Game”
A sample from A Writer at Work, with marginal notes
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The sample from A Writer at Work continues, with marginal notes
The sample from A Writer at Work continues, with marginal notes
The sample from A Writer at Work continues, with marginal notes
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“A Writer at Work," continued, shows student text with marginal notes
“A Writer at Work" continued, shows student writing with marginal notes
“A Writer at Work,” continued, shows student text with marginal notes
“A Writer at Work,” continued, shows references from a student text
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The writing assignment is continued, with highlights and side notes
The writing assignment is continued, with highlights and side notes
The writing assignment is continued, with highlights and marginal notes
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A screenshot from Scott Pilgrim versus the World
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An excerpt from an essay along with side notes. The essay is followed by a graph
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An excerpt from an essay along with side notes. The essay is followed by a graph
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An excerpt from an essay along with side notes
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A timeline titled The History of U. S. Savings Bonds
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A Documentation Map
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A sample References page
Brian Cable's treatment of a documentary
Maya Gomez's timeline of kidney transplantation
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A sample text illustrates a restrictive word group
A sample text illustrates the use of a colon in introducing a list
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A text block lists five samples for simple sentences, identifying subjects, verbs, objects, complements, and adverbials
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Example text shows edits to fix a sentence fragment
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Example text demonstrates fixing a run-on sentence
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Example text with edits demonstrates fixing a run-on sentence
Example text with edits demonstrates fixing a run-on sentence
Example text with edits demonstrates fixing a run-on sentence
Example text with edits demonstrates fixing a run-on sentence
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Example text with edits demonstrates fixing a comma splice
Example text with edits demonstrates fixing a comma splice
Example text with edits demonstrates fixing a comma splice
Two examples demonstrate fixing unclear antecedents
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A sentence with edits demonstrates fixing a misplaced modifier
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A sentence with edits demonstrates fixing wordiness
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A sentence with edits demonstrates fixing awkward wording
A sentence with edits demonstrates parallelism
A sentence with edits demonstrates parallelism
A sentence with edits demonstrates correlative conjunction
The inside back cover of the book, The St. Martin’s Guide to Writing, thirteenth edition, by Rise B. Axelrod, Charles R. Cooper, Ellen C. Carillo, and Wallace T. Cleaves
The back cover of the book, The St. Martin’s Guide to Writing, thirteenth edition, by Rise B. Axelrod, Charles R. Cooper, Ellen C. Carillo, and Wallace T. Cleaves
Inside Back Cover
Back Cover