Preface Acknowledgements 1. The Basics Write clearly and concisely Answer the question and follow instructions Follow the writing process Have something to say Make your point and support it Recognize the difference between spoken and written English Use appropriate style Read Think critically Practise writing Know your strengths and weaknesses Edit and correct your work Use resources wisely Communicate with your instructor Becoming a better writer 2. Essay Structure Choose your topic wisely Brainstorm to gather your ideas Organize your ideas into body paragraphs Write an outline Write an effective thesis statement Write a title Introduce your topic Develop ideas in body paragraphs Write a satisfying conclusion Edit your draft Study sample essays Practise essay writing Essay checklist 3. Types of Essays Main types of essays Distinguish between personal and impersonal essays Narrate Describe Illustrate Classify and define Describe process Explain cause and effects Compare Persuade Answering essay questions on tests Approaching essay assignments 4. Writing about Readings Distinguish between fiction and non-fiction Paraphrase Summarize Analyze non-fiction Analyze fiction Understand literary terms Writing about what you read 5. Research and Documentation Prepare for research work Find suitable sources of information Take notes as you research Follow the basic principles of documentation Quote effectively Use MLA citation style Use in-text citation (MLA) Prepare a Works Cited page (MLA) Sample research essay (MLA) Use APA citation style Use in-text citation (APA) Prepare a References page (APA) Sample research essay (APA) Research guidelines 6. Vocabulary Recognize parts of speech Understand usage - the way words are used Use synonyms and antonyms Consider connotation Recognize jargon, register, dialect, slang, and idioms Improve your spelling Build your vocabulary Use precise vocabulary for clarity and conciseness Vocabulary checklist 7. Grammar and Sentence Structure Recognize subjects and predicates Use verb tenses correctly Use the passive voice effectively Make sure pronouns have clear, correct antecedents Use singular and plural forms correctly Form possessives correctly Don''t confuse s endings Understand the use of prepositions Join words, phrases, and clauses with coordinating conjunctions Make adverb clauses with subordinating conjunctions Use adjective clauses to add information Use noun clauses as subjects or objects Reduce clauses to phrases for conciseness Avoid misplaced modifiers Use clauses and phrases effectively Ensure sentences are complete Correct your mistakes Grammar checklist 8.
Punctuation and Format Mark the end of each sentence Capitalize proper nouns and the first word of a sentence Separate sections of a sentence with commas Distinguish between semicolons and colons Use apostrophes for possession and contractions Use space correctly Show quotations Distinguish hyphens from dashes Use italics for words used in special ways Format your essay Punctuation and format checklist Appendix A: Selected Readings "Beware the Risks of Smartphones and Tablets in Schools" by Sachin Maharaj "Why Are We So Scared of Eye Contact?" by Katrina Onstad "We All Should Worry about Cellphone Searches" by William Kowalski "What if Dostoyevsky Had Been an Online Gambler?" by John Sainsbury "The Moose and the Sparrow" by Hugh Garner "The Cask of Amontillado" by Edgar Allan Poe Appendix B: Sample Annotated Essays Appendix C: Answer Key Glossary Index.