Wordsmith: Guide to College Writing (Book Alone)

by Arlov, Pamela

• ISBN13: 9780131949935
• ISBN10: 0131949934
• Edition: 3rd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2007-01-01
• Publisher: Prentice Hall

Summary

Your life's work is centered on connecting to your students and preparing them for productive futures. Pamela Arlov created the Wordsmithseries to help you connect with your students. We asked professors what they thought their students would want in a textbook. Here's what we heard and how Wordsmithaddresses today's students:   1)       Students find textbooks dry and tedious.Arlov includes engaging grammar openers, plenty of visuals, and has a writing style that is second to none!   2)       Students find textbooks irrelevant to their lives. Arlov's combination of the rhetorical modes is realistic and models real life writing. She has also added ;Real Writing ; examples in the modes chapters to make Wordsmitheven more relevant to students' lives.   3)       Students become frustrated if the entire text is not used in class.Wordsmith is 150 pages briefer than similar texts on the market and an affordable option. This concise approach also does not overwhelm students with too much information. Wordsmithprovides students with just the right balance of instruction and practice!

Table of Contents

Preface
Updates to the Third Edition	xv
To the Instructor	xvii
To the Student	xxv
PART 1 Composition	1	(282)
The Writing Process	3	(20)
The Writing Process	4	(15)
Prewriting	4	(1)
Planning	5	(1)
Drafting	5	(1)
Revising	6	(1)
Proofreading	6	(1)
An Important Point	7	(1)
The Writing Process: Carla's Essay	8	(8)
If You Hate the Thought of a Step-by-Step Approach	16	(3)
Review of the Paragraph	19	(1)
The Topic Sentence	19	(1)
The Supporting Sentences	19	(1)
The Summary Sentence	19	(1)
A Model Paragraph	20	(1)
Writing Assignment 1: Writing and You	20	(1)
Writing Assignment 2: Reasons for Attending College	21	(2)
Preparing to Write	23	(16)
Prewriting	23	(1)
Why Prewrite?	24	(1)
Prewriting Methods	24	(11)
Brainstorming	25	(2)
Freewriting	27	(1)
Invisible Writing: A Computer Technique	28	(1)
Clustering	29	(2)
Narrowing Your Topic: The Topic-Subtopic Method	31	(2)
Outlining	33	(1)
Journal Writing	34	(1)
Progressive Writing Assignment	35	(4)
Building a Framework: Thesis and Organization	39	(22)
The Structure of an Essay	41	(1)
A Model Essay	41	(1)
Constructing the Thesis Statement	42	(11)
Types of Thesis Statements	42	(7)
Evaluating Your Thesis Points	49	(4)
Organizing Your Essay	53	(5)
Emphatic Order	53	(2)
Sandwich Order	55	(2)
Chronological Order	57	(1)
Progressive Writing Assignment	58	(3)
Introducing the Essay	61	(12)
Purposes of an Introduction	62	(1)
Types of Introduction	63	(8)
Broad to Narrow	63	(1)
Narrow to Broad	64	(1)
Quotation	65	(2)
Anecdote	67	(1)
Contrasting Idea	68	(1)
Historical	69	(2)
Progressive Writing Assignment	71	(2)
Developing Body Paragraphs	73	(28)
Characteristics of an Effective Body Paragraph	74
Direction: Shaping the Topic Sentences of Body Paragraphs	74
Unity: Sticking to the Point of the Essay	80
Coherence: Holding the Essay Together	82
Support: Using Specific Detail	88
Progressive Writing Assignment	98=E	(24)
Concluding the Essay	101	(10)
Methods of Conclusion	102	(6)
Summary	102	(1)
Recommendation	103	(1)
Prediction	104	(1)
Full Circle	105	(1)
Quotation	106	(2)
Traps to Avoid	108	(1)
Sermonizing	108	(1)
Starched Prose	108	(1)
Progressive Writing Assignment	109	(2)
Revising, Proofreading, and Formatting	111	(16)
Revising	112	(5)
Checklist for Revision	113	(4)
Proofreading	117	(5)
The Top-Down Technique	118	(1)
The Bottom-Up Technique	118	(1)
The Targeting Technique	118	(1)
Proofreading the Word-Processed Essay	119	(3)
Formatting	122	(2)
Handwritten Documents	122	(1)
Word-Processed Documents	123	(1)
Progressive Writing Assignment	124	(3)
Showing and Telling: Description, Narration, and Example	127	(38)
Description	128	(1)
Laying the Groundwork for Descriptive Writing	128	(1)
Elements of Descriptive Writing	129	(12)
Sense Impressions	129	(3)
Spatial Order	132	(1)
Establishing a Dominant Impression	133	(2)
Wordsmith's Corner: Examples of Descriptive Writing	135	(6)
Narration	141	(10)
Laying the Groundwork for Narrative Writing	141	(1)
Techniques for Successful Narration	142	(4)
Wordsmith's Corner: Examples of Narrative Writing	146	(5)
Example	151	(11)
Laying the Groundwork for Writing Using Examples	152	(3)
Wordsmith's Corner: Examples of Writing Supported by Example	155	(7)
Topics for Combining Methods of Development	162	(3)
Limiting and Ordering: Definition, Classification, and Process	165	(34)
Definition	166	(10)
Laying the Groundwork for Writing a Definition	167	(1)
Using Examples in Definition Essays	168	(1)
Subjective and Objective Definitions	168	(2)
Wordsmith's Corner: Examples of Writing Developed by Definition	170	(6)
Classification	176	(13)
Laying the Groundwork for Writing Classification Papers	177	(1)
Establishing a Basis for Classification	178	(5)
Wordsmith's Corner: Examples of Writing Developed through Classification	183	(6)
Process	189	(7)
Laying the Groundwork for Process Writing	189	(1)
Organizing the Process Essay	190	(1)
Introducing the Process Essay	191	(1)
Concluding the Process Essay	192	(1)
Wordsmith's Corner: Examples of Process Writing	192	(4)
Topics for Combining Methods of Development	196	(3)
Examining Logical Connections: Comparison-Contrast, Cause-Effect, and Argument	199	(34)
Comparison-Contrast	200	(10)
Laying the Groundwork for Comparison-Contrast Writing	201	(1)
Setting Up a Comparison-Contrast Paper	202	(3)
Wordsmith's Corner: Examples of Writing Using Comparison-Contrast	205	(5)
Cause and Effect	210	(8)
Laying the Groundwork for Cause-Effect Writing	211	(1)
Identifying Causes and Effects	212	(1)
Wordsmith's Corner: Examples of Writing Using Cause and Effect	213	(5)
Argument	218	(13)
Laying the Groundwork for Writing an Argument	219	(1)
Taking Sides	220	(1)
Introducing an Argument Essay	220	(1)
Fact or Opinion?	221	(4)
Will You Change Anyone's Mind?	225	(1)
Wordsmith's Corner: Examples of Writing Using Argument	226	(5)
Topics for Combining Methods of Development	231	(2)
Writing a Summary	233	(24)
Writing a Summary	234	(1)
Five Steps in Writing a Summary	234	(5)
Step 1: Choose a Topic and Find Sources of Information	234	(1)
Step 2: Evaluate Sources and Choose Your Article	235	(1)
Step 3: Read the Article Thoroughly	236	(1)
Step 4: Draft Your Summary	237	(2)
Step 5: Format, Proofread, and Cite Your Source	239	(1)
Paraphrasing: An Essential Skill	239	(5)
A Brief Guide to MLA (Modern Language Association) Style	244	(13)
Formatting Your Paper	244	(1)
Referencing Sources Within Your Paper	244	(1)
The Works Cited List	245	(1)
A Model Summary Report	246	(11)
Writing a Research Paper	257	(26)
Five Steps in Writing a Research Paper	259	(6)
Step 1: Find a Topic and Create a Research Question	259	(1)
Step 2: Find and Evaluate Information from Various Sources	260	(3)
Step 3: Outline Your Paper and Take Notes from Your Sources	263	(1)
Step 4: Draft Your Paper	264	(1)
Step 5: Format Your Paper and Cite Your Sources	265	(1)
Paraphrasing and Summarizing: Essential Research Skills	265	(4)
Paraphrasing	266	(1)
Summarizing	267	(2)
Guide to MLA (Modern Language Association) Style	269	(14)
Formatting Your Paper	269	(1)
Referencing Sources Within Your Paper	270	(2)
The Works Cited List	272	(4)
A Model Research Paper	276	(7)
PART 2 Grammar	283	(238)
Basic Grammar
Verbs and Subjects	285	(20)
Action and Linking Verbs	286	(3)
Action Verbs	286	(1)
Linking Verbs	286	(3)
Recognizing Verbs and Subjects	289	(5)
Finding the Verb	289	(2)
Finding the Subject	291	(1)
Recognizing Prepositional Phrases	292	(2)
Regular and Irregular Verbs	294	(6)
Puzzling Pairs	297	(3)
Review Exercises	300	(5)
Subject-Verb Agreement	305	(14)
The Basic Pattern	306	(3)
Verbs Ending in -es	307	(1)
Using Third Person	307	(1)
The Verb to be	308	(1)
A Fundamental Rule	308	(1)
Problems in Subject-Verb Agreement	309	(6)
Prepositional Phrase Between Subject and Verb	309	(1)
Indefinite Pronouns as Subjects	310	(1)
Subject Following the Verb	311	(1)
Compound Subjects	312	(3)
Review Exercises	315	(4)
Run-on Sentences	319	(16)
What Is a Run-on Sentence?	320	(1)
Correcting Run-ons	321	(6)
Method 1: Period and Capital Letter	321	(1)
Method 2: Comma and FANBOYS Conjunction	322	(1)
Method 3: Semicolon	323	(1)
Method 4: Semicolon and Transitional Expression	324	(2)
Method 5: Dependent Word	326	(1)
A Special Case: The Word That	327	(2)
Review Exercises	329	(6)
Sentence Fragments	335	(16)
What Is a Sentence Fragment?	336	(10)
Dependent Clause Fragments	336	(2)
Verbal Phrase Fragments (to, -ing, and -ed)	338	(4)
Missing-Subject Fragments	342	(1)
Example and Exception Fragments	343	(2)
Prepositional Phrase Fragments	345	(1)
Review Exercises	346	(5)
Pronoun Case	351	(14)
Subject and Object Pronouns	351	(4)
Subject Pronouns	352	(2)
Object Pronouns	354	(1)
Using Who and Whom	355	(4)
The Substitution Method for Who and Whom	355	(4)
Intensive and Reflexive Pronouns	359	(3)
Intensive Pronouns	359	(1)
Reflexive Pronouns	360	(1)
Problems with Intensive and Reflexive Pronouns	360	(2)
Review Exercises	362	(3)
Pronoun Agreement, Reference, and Point of View	365	(22)
Pronoun Agreement	366	(5)
Problems in Pronoun Agreement	367	(1)
Pronoun Agreement with Indefinite Pronouns	368	(1)
Pronouns and Gender Fairness	369	(2)
Pronoun Reference	371	(5)
Pronoun Reference Problem: No Antecedent	372	(1)
Pronoun Reference Problem: Two Possible Antecedents	373	(1)
Special Pronoun Reference Problem: This and Which	374	(2)
Pronoun Point of View	376	(5)
Review Exercises	381	(1)
Editing Exercises: Basic Grammar	382	(5)
Advanced Grammar
Misplaced and Dangling Modifiers	387	(14)
Misplaced Modifiers	388	(5)
Single-Word Modifiers	389	(4)
Dangling Modifiers	393	(2)
Review Exercises	395	(6)
Parallel Structure	401	(10)
Review Exercises	404	(7)
Verb Shifts	411	(22)
Shifts in Tense	412	(4)
Avoiding Unnecessary Tense Shifts	412	(2)
Providing Necessary Tense Shifts	414	(2)
Active and Passive Voice	416	(7)
Uses of Active and Passive Voice	418	(1)
Writing Sentences in Active and Passive Voice	419	(2)
Correcting Shifts in Voice	421	(2)
Review Exercises	423	(6)
Editing Exercises: Advanced Grammar	429	(4)
Punctuation, Word Choice, and Mechanics
Commas	433	(12)
Commas to Set Off Introductory Words, Phrases, and Clauses	434	(1)
Commas to Join Items in a Series	434	(2)
Commas to Join Independent Clauses	436	(1)
Commas Around Interrupters	437	(1)
Commas with Direct Quotations	438	(1)
Commas in Names and Dates	439	(1)
Review Exercises	440	(5)
Other Punctuation	445	(14)
End Punctuation: Period, Question Mark, and Exclamation Point	446	(2)
The Period	446	(1)
The Question Mark	446	(1)
The Exclamation Point	447	(1)
The Semicolon	448	(1)
Semicolon to Join Independent Clauses	448	(1)
Semicolon to Join Items in a List	448	(1)
Colons and Dashes: Formal and Informal Punctuation	449	(2)
The Colon	449	(1)
The Dash	450	(1)
Parentheses: Tools of Understatement	451	(1)
Review Exercises	452	(7)
Word Choice	459	(14)
Slang	460	(1)
Cliches	461	(1)
Wordiness	462	(2)
Pretentious Writing	464	(2)
Review Exercises	466	(7)
Words Commonly Confused	473	(10)
Words Commonly Confused	474	(5)
Review Exercises	479	(4)
Capital Letters	483	(12)
Capital Letters to Begin Sentences	484	(1)
Capitalization of Words Referring to Individuals	484	(2)
Names and the Pronoun I	484	(1)
Family Relationships	484	(1)
Professional Titles	485	(1)
Capitalization of Words Referring to Groups	486	(2)
Religions, Geographic Locations, Races, and Nationalities	486	(1)
Organizations, Businesses, and Agencies	487	(1)
Capitalization of Words Referring to Time and Place	488	(2)
Dates, Days, Holidays, and Seasons	488	(1)
Place Names	488	(1)
Compass Points	489	(1)
Capitalization of Words Referring to Things and Activities	490	(2)
School Subjects	490	(1)
Titles	490	(1)
Consumer Products	491	(1)
Abbreviations	491	(1)
Review Exercises	492	(3)
Apostrophes	495	(12)
Apostrophes in Contractions	496	(1)
Apostrophes to Show Possession	497	(6)
Making Nouns Possessive	497	(2)
Distinguishing Possessives from Simple Plurals	499	(2)
Possessive Forms of Pronouns	501	(1)
Proofreading for Apostrophe Errors	501	(2)
Review Exercises	503	(4)
Quotation Marks, Underlining, and Italics	507	(14)
Quotation Marks to Signal Quotations	508	(3)
Direct Quotations	508	(2)
Indirect Quotations	510	(1)
Quotation Marks, Underlining, or Italics to Set Off Titles	511	(3)
Quotation Marks	512	(1)
Underlining and Italics	512	(2)
Review Exercises	514	(4)
Editing Exercises: Punctuation, Word Choice, and Mechanics	518	(3)
PART 3 Readings	521	(102)
Complaining	523	(6)
Maya Angelou
Two Ways of Seeing a River	529	(7)
Mark Twain
Growing Up Bilingual	536	(6)
Sara Gonzalez
The Game of My Life	542	(7)
Jeff Obafemi Carr
Rebel with a Dye Job	549	(7)
Sono Motoyama
When Words Get in the Way	556	(6)
Athlone G. Clarke
Letting in Light	562	(7)
Patricia Raybon
Coping with Procrastination	569	(6)
Roberta Moore
Barbara Baker
Arnold H. Packer
Migraine Blues	575	(7)
Candace Dyer
The Right to Die	582	(7)
Norman Cousins
The Brutal Business of Boxing	589	(6)
John Head
Date Rape: Exposing Dangerous Myths	595	(7)
John J. Macionis
Education Unplugged	602	(6)
Floyd Allen
Should College Athletes Be Paid?	608	(7)
Steve Wulf
Reading, Writing, and . . . Ethics?	615	(8)
Larry Fennelly
Credits	623	(2)
Index	625