ENGL 1301 - Latimer: Writing & Grammar

The authors describe how to determine a subject, formulate and outline a provisional thesis, prepare a bibliography, take notes from sources, write a draft, then revise and edit the paper, bringing it to its final form. Added advice includes avoiding plagiarism and making the most of library and Internet resources.

This step-by-step guide shows: -how to construct a thesis statement and the other main points that constitute the structure of the paper; -how to write the paragraphs that make up the body of the paper; -how to engage in productive research in a planned, self-directed way; -how to make a point clear--not just grammatically or stylistically but also how to clearly convey ideas to an audience; -how to think your way through the numerous unanticipated issues (including aspects of grammatical correctness, transitions, and many others) that arise while writing papers. Each step provides close and careful processes for carrying out each of these tasks, through the use of critical thinking.

This book is designed both for self-study and also as a support for a course on academic communication. The book focuses only on those areas that are either the most commonly found in academic communication and/or cause the most problems. It is thus considerably more accessible than a traditional grammar or style guide. Grammar coverage includes: articles (a/an, the), countable vs uncountable nouns, modal verbs (can, may, could, might), comparisons, present and past tenses, link words, prepositions, and verbs that cause grammatical difficulties.

In this practical guide, readers will learn everything from the different parts of speech to why effective writers prefer concrete nouns and active verbs.

Ben Yagoda's How to Not Write Bad uses this basic tenet to illustrate how we can all write better, clearer, and for a wider readership. He offers advice on what he calls 'not-writing-badly,' which consists of the ability, first, to craft sentences that are correct in terms of spelling, diction (word choice), punctuation, and grammar, and that also display clarity, precision, and grace.

Struggling to find your academic voice? Polish Your Academic Writing gives you the advice and skills you need to write appropriately and impactfully and get the best grades in your assignments.

They Say / I Say has essentially defined academic writing, identifying its key rhetorical moves, the most important of which is to summarize what others have said ("they say") to set up one's own argument ("I say").