About This Book

A Brief Guide to Writing from Readings, A, MLA Update Edition

This book is a comprehensive guide designed to help students navigate the complexities of academic writing, particularly when it comes to incorporating readings into their essays. Written by Stephen Wilhoit, a renowned expert in the field of academic writing, this 7th edition has been updated to reflect the latest MLA guidelines.

Who Uses It?

Primarily, this book is used by students and educators in introductory writing courses at the college and university levels. It is also a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their skills in rhetorical analysis, argumentation strategies, and technical aspects of writing with sources.

History and Editions

The 7th edition of A Brief Guide to Writing from Readings has been a trusted resource since its publication in 2016. This edition includes detailed updates on MLA style guidelines, ensuring that students are equipped with the most current information for their academic writing needs. The book covers the subtleties of rhetorical analysis and argumentation strategies, making it an essential tool for students aiming to produce high-quality academic work.

Author and Other Works

Stephen Wilhoit is the author of A Brief Guide to Writing from Readings. Wilhoit is known for his clear and process-oriented approach to academic writing. While this book is his primary focus, he has likely contributed to other educational resources aimed at enhancing student learning in the field of writing.

Key Features

Comprehensive Coverage: The book provides a clear guide on how to analyze readings and incorporate them into essays.
MLA Style Guidelines: It includes detailed explanations and examples of MLA style documentation, ensuring students understand how to properly cite sources.
Rhetorical Analysis: The guide covers the subtleties of rhetorical analysis, helping students to critically evaluate the material they read.
Argumentation Strategies: It offers practical advice on how to develop strong arguments using the readings as evidence.

Detailed Information

ISBNs and Formats

Paperback: ISBN-13: 9780134586557
eBook: Available through VitalSource (ISBN: 9780133800685)
Rent: Available for rent through various retailers (Recommended price: $94.18) [2]

Publication Details

Publisher: Pearson
Publication Date: 2016
Number of Pages: 297
Language: English

Other Editions and Formats

2021 Update: Although there is no 2021 update edition listed, it is important to note that Pearson often releases updated editions of their textbooks. For the most current information, please check the publisher's website or contact their customer service.

Related ISBNs:

9780133800685 (eBook)
9780134586557 (Paperback)
9780137504565 (2021-07-13 Brief Guide to Writing from Readings, A, 7th edition) [4]

This detailed information section provides a quick reference for all the available formats and sources for A Brief Guide to Writing from Readings, making it easier to find and access the book in the preferred format.

1 . Critical Reading

Definition and Purpose

Asking Questions about What You Read

o Questions to Ask Before You Begin a Close Reading of a Text

o Questions to Ask While You Read and Reread Material

Marking Texts

o Highlighting Texts

o Annotating Texts

Sample Annotated Reading: “Hard Choices,” by Patrick Moore

Note Taking

o Before Jotting Down Any Notes, Always Write Down the Source Text’s Full Bibliographic Information

o In Your Notes, Carefully Distinguish between Material You Quote and Material You Paraphrase

o Carefully List Page Numbers

o Pay Attention to the Punctuation in the Source Text

o In Your Notes, Clearly Differentiate between the Author’s Ideas and Your Own

o Be Consistent with Your Note-Taking System

Additional Reading: “Getting Serious about Eradicating Binge Drinking,” by Henry Wechsler

Summary Chart: Critical Reading: Asking Questions

Summary Chart: Critical Reading: Marking Texts

Summary Chart: Critical Reading: Note Taking

2. Quotation

Definition and Purpose

Guidelines on When to Quote Material

o Quote Passages When the Author Has Written Something in a Distinctive or Especially Insightful or Interesting Way

o Quote Material That Lends Support to a Position You Are Trying to Make in Your Paper

o Quote Authorities Who Disagree with a Position You Are Advocating or Who Offer Alternative Explanations or Contradictory Data

Guidelines on When Not to Quote Material

o Do Not Quote Passages Merely to Fill Space

o Do Not Quote Passages as a Substitute for Thinking

o Do Not Quote Passages Because You Do Not Understand the Author’s Ideas Well Enough to Paraphrase Them

Integrating Quotations into Your Writing

o Two Basic Types of Quotations

Reading: “Generation Text,” by Mark Bauerlein

o The Block Quotation

o The Integrated Quotation

Altering Quoted Material and Avoiding Misquotations

Leaving Words Out of a Quotation

Adding Words to a Quotation

Noting Emphasis Added to a Quotation

Summary Chart: Guidelines on Quotations

Summary Chart: Integrating Quotations into Your Writing

Quotation Revision Checklist

3. Paraphrase

Definition and Purpose

Qualities of a Good Paraphrase

o Thorough

o Accurate

o Fair

o Objective

How to Paraphrase Material

o Changing Words

o Changing Sentence Structure

o Combining Sentences

o “Unpacking” Sentences

o Combining Strategies: Paraphrasing Longer Passages in Source Texts

o Blending Your Writing with Paraphrased Material

Documentation

Summary Chart: How to Paraphrase Material

Paraphrase Revision Checklist

4. Summary

Definition and Purpose

Types of Summaries

Qualities of a Good Summary

o Comprehensive

o Brief

o Accurate

o Neutral

o Independent

How to Summarize a Text

o Read, Reread, and Annotate the Source Text

o Summarize Each Section of the Source Text

o Check the Section Summaries against the Source Text

How to Write an Abstract

How to Write an Informative Summary Essay

How to Write an Explanatory Summary Essay

Documentation

Reading: “From Animal House to Big Brother: Student Privacy and Campus Safety in an Age of Accountability,” by Ron Chesbrough

o Sample Abstract

o Sample Informative Summary Essay

o Sample Explanatory Summary Essay

Summary Chart: How to Summarize Texts

Summary Revision Checklist

5. Analysis

Definition and Purpose

Reading: “The Story of an Hour,” by Kate Chopin

How to Analyze a Text

o Read the Source Text Carefully

o Identify or Choose Which Analytical Criteria to Employ

o Apply the Analytical Criteria to the Text

o Interpret the Text

o Explain and Support Your Interpretation

Qualities of a Good Analysis Essay

o Comprehensive

o Clear

o Consistent

o Tied to the Source Text

o Informative

How to Write an Analysis Essay

o Opening Section

o Body

o Concluding Section

Revising Your Essay

o Accuracy

o Development

o Clarity

o Balance

Documentation

Sample Analysis Essay

Summary Chart: How to Analyze Texts

Summary Chart: How to Write an Analysis Essay

Analysis Essay Checklist

6. Response Essays

Definition and Purpose

Qualities of a Good Response Essay

o Honest

o Informed

o Clear

o Well Supported

Writing the Response Essay

o Carefully Read the Material

o Compose Your Rough Draft

o Write Your Conclusion

o Revise Your Rough Draft

Sample Response Essay

A Response to “From Animal House to Big Brother: Student Privacy and Campus Safety in an Age of Accountability”

Summary Chart: How to Write a Response Essay

Response Essay Revision Checklist

7. Critique

Definition and Purpose

The Film Review as Critique

Writing a Critique

o Step 1 -- Carefully Read and Annotate the Source Text

o Step 2 -- Analyze and Evaluate the Reading

o Step 3 -- Write Your Thesis and Decide Which Aspects of the Reading Will Be the Focus of Your Essay

o Step 4 -- Write Your Rough Draft

o Step 5 -- Rewrite Your Critique

Reading: “The Doctrine of Academic Freedom,” by Sandra Y. L. Korn

Reading: “Academic Freedom vs. Academic Justice,” by Michael LaBossiere

Sample Critique

“An Unconvincing Argument Concerning Academic Freedom”

Summary Chart: How to Write a Critique

Critique Revision Checklist

8. Rhetorical Analysis of Written Texts

Definition and Purpose

The Rhetorical Situation

o Elements of the Rhetorical Situation

Rhetorical Strategies

o Content

o Structure

o Style

Analyzing a Text’s Rhetorical Strategies -- An Example

o Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address

o A Rhetorical Analysis of Lincoln’s Speech

Writing a Rhetorical Analysis Essay

o Step 1 -- Carefully Read the Assignment

o Step 2 -- Establish the Source Text’s Rhetorical Situation

o Step 3 -- Determine the Author’s Goal

o Step 4 -- Identify and Evaluate the Text’s Rhetorical Strategies

o Step 5 -- Determine Your Thesis

o Step 6 -- Write Your Rough Draft

o Step 7 -- Revise Your Essay

Sample Rhetorical Analysis Essay

o Rhetorical Analysis of Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address

Summary Chart: How to Write a Rhetorical Analysis Essay

Rhetorical Analysis of Written Texts Revision Checklist

9: Rhetorical Analysis of Visual Texts

Definition and Purpose

Reading Visual Texts Critically

o Questions Concerning the Visual Text Itself

o Questions Concerning the Visual Text’s Creator or Source

o Questions Concerning the Visual Text’s Purpose

o Questions Concerning the Visual Text’s Audience

o Questions Concerning Your Response to the Visual Text

Reading a Visual Text -- An Example

o Questions Concerning the Visual Text

o Questions Concerning the Visual Text’s Creator or Source

o Questions Concerning the Visual Text’s Purpose

o Questions Concerning the Visual Text’s Audience

o Questions Concerning Your Response to the Visual Text

Writing a Rhetorical Analysis of a Visual Text

o Step 1 -- Carefully Read the Assignment

o Step 2 -- Analyze and Describe the Text

o Step 3 -- Establish the Text’s Rhetorical Situation

o Step 4 -- Determine How the Text Attempts to Achieve Its Rhetorical Goals

o Step 5 -- Determine Your Thesis

o Step 6 -- Write a Rough Draft

o Step 7 -- Revise Your Essay

Sample Rhetorical Analysis of a Visual Text

An Effective Advertisment for Literacy Support

Summary Chart: How to Write a Rhetorical Analysis of a Visual Text

Rhetorical Analysis of a Visual Text Revision Checklist

10. Informative Synthesis

Definition and Purpose

Types of Synthesis Essays

Reading: “Humanity 2.? Enhancement, Evolution and the Possible Futures of Humanity,” by Sarah Chan

Reading: “On Designer Babies: Genetic Enhancement of Human Embryos Is Not a Practice for Civil Societies,” by Sheldon Krimsky

Reading: “A Moderate Approach to Enhancement,” by Michael Selgelid

Informative Synthesis

o Definition

o Writing an Informative Synthesis

Sample Informative Synthesis

The Ethical Debate over Human Enhancement and Designer Babies

Summary Chart: How to Write an Informative Synthesis

Informative Synthesis Revision Checklist

11. Argumentative Synthesis

Definition and Purpose

The Elements of Argument

o Claims

o Grounds

o Warrants

Argument and Persuasion

o Appeals Based on Reason

o Appeals Based on Emotion

o Appeals Based on Character and Credibility

Writing an Argumentative Synthesis

o Step 1 -- Analyze the Assignment

o Step 2 -- Annotate and Critique the Readings

o Step 3 -- Formulate a Thesis

o Step 4 -- Choose an Organizational Plan

o Step 5 -- Write Your Rough Draft

o Step 6 -- Revise Your Draft

o Step 7 -- Check Quotations and Documentation

Sample Argumentative Synthesis

Make Human Enhancement Available to All

Additional Reading: “A New Definition of Leadership,” by Josh Misner

Additional Reading: “Understanding Your Leadership Balance,” by Lee Ellis

Additional Reading: “A Question of Leadership,” by Gene Klann and Talula Cartwright

Summary Chart: How to Write an Argumentative Synthesis

Argumentative Synthesis Revision Checklist

12. Plagiarism

Definition

Forms of Plagiarism

o Purchasing a Paper

o Turning in a Paper Someone Else Has Written for You

o Turning in Another Student’s Work without That Student’s Knowledge

o Improper Collaboration

o Copying a Paper from a Source Text without Proper Acknowledgment

o Cutting and Pasting Material from Sources

o Lifting Images from the Web or Other Sources

o Copying Statistics

o Copying Material from a Source Text, Supplying Proper Documentation, but Leaving Out Quotation Marks

o Paraphrasing Material from a Reading without Proper Documentation

o Self-Plagiarism

Why Students Plagiarize Work

How to Avoid Plagiarism

o Do Your Own Work

o Take Good Notes

o Paraphrase Properly

o Supply Proper Documentation

o Online Plagiarism Check

o Clarify Collaboration Guidelines

Summary Chart: Plagiarism

Plagiarism Checklist

13. Documentation

Definition and Purpose

Types of Documentation

Primary Academic Style Manuals

APA Guidelines

o In-Text Documentation

o Footnotes and Endnotes

MLA Guidelines

o In-Text Documentation

o Footnotes and Endnotes

14. Reference Lists and Works Cited Entries

Definition and Purpose

APA Format

o Sample Reference List Entries

o Sample APA-Style Reference List

MLA Format

o Sample Works Cited Entries

o Sample MLA-Style Works Cited List

Credits

Index

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