About the Book
With its unique, 8-chapter opening sequence, The Scribner Handbook for Writers, 3/e offers the most comprehensive coverage of essays and the writing process available in a college handbook.
Offering accurate and comprehensive demonstrations of how writers actually write, this handbook includes a discussion of the kinds of reading and thinking required of college students in conjunction with their writing activities and is based on the authors' premise that these processes are interrelated and support each other.
The first part shows key relationships among the processes of writing, reading, and thinking creatively and logically, and provides strategies for developing the ideas that will make a good essay. The coverage of essay writing is the most detailed and descriptive section on writing essays among college handbooks. Separate chapters treat writing exploratory, analytical, and argumentative essays. These chapters offer student work with an emphasis on academic writing in response to texts. To connect grammar and usage principles to good writing practice, the grammar and usage chapters offer “writing hints” to apply correct grammar to good writing. In addition, the book offers current coverage on research using the Internet, ESL and language issues, and writing in the disciplines and for business.
Table of Contents:
I.THE WRITING, READING, AND THINKING CONNECTION.
1.Writing — A Way of Expressing Ideas.
Becoming a Writer.
An Overview of the Writing Process.
Accumulating Evidence and Formulating Ideas.
Assessing Audience and Purpose.
Preparing to Write.
Organizing.
Drafting and Revising.
Collaborating.
Editing and Proofreading.
2.Critical Reading.
Adjusting to Different Texts.
Writing from Reading.
Analyzing What You Read.
Formulating an Interpretation.
Interpreting a Painting.
Evaluating a Text.
Discussing Your Reading with Others.
Reading Reflectively and Critically.
Interpreting the Text: An Example.
3.Thinking.
Comparing Creative and Logical Thinking.
Creative Thinking Techniques.
Overcoming Obstacles to Thinking.
Logical Thinking.
Understanding Causality.
Thinking about Analogy in Arguments.
4.Developing Ideas.
Questioning Evidence to Find an Idea.
Writing about Evidence to Find an Idea — Drafting and Revising.
Connecting — Another Way to an Idea.
Looking at Controversies to Find Ideas.
Using Collaboration as a Way to Finding Ideas.
II.THE ESSAY.
Audience, Purpose, and the Essay.
5.The Exploratory Essay.
Exploring by Connecting Stories of Experience.
Finding and Developing an Idea from a Story.
Connecting Texts with Stories of Experience.
6.The Analytical Essay.
Reading and Analyzing Texts.
Developing an Analytical Essay.
Putting Analysis to Other Uses.
7.The Argumentative Essay.
Purpose and Audience in Argument.
Preparing to Write a Reasonable Argument.
Organizing and Developing an Argumentative Essay.
Developing an Argumentative Essay from Personal Experience.
Developing an Argument from Sources.
Avoiding Fallacies.
8.Incorporating Sources.
Selecting and Incorporating Evidence.
Techniques of Incorporation.
Incorporating Evidence from a Written Source and from Experience.
Incorporating Evidence from a Visual Source.
Guidelines for Selecting and Incorporating Evidence.
Documentation — An Obligation and a Means of Persuasion.
III.PARAGRAPHS.
9.Fundamentals of Paragraph Development.
Creating Unified and Coherent Paragraphs.
Achieving Paragraph Unity.
Achieving Paragraph Coherence.
Organizing Paragraphs.
Developing Ideas within Paragraphs.
10.Types and Functions of Paragraphs.
Developing Beginning Paragraphs.
Developing Ending Paragraphs.
Developing Middle Paragraphs.
Linking Paragraphs in an Essay.
IV.GRAMMAR.
11.Basic Sentence Grammar.
Recognizing Subjects and Predicates.
Recognizing Objects and Complements.
Recognizing and Using Phrases.
Recognizing and Using Clauses.
Using the Basic Sentence Patterns.
Using Different Types of Sentences.
12.Verbs.
Primary Verb Forms.
Auxiliary Verb Forms.
Regular and Irregular Verbs.
Other Types of Verbs.
Using Sit/Set, Lie/Lay, and Rise/Raise.
Simple Tenses.
Perfect Tenses.
Progressive Tense.
Verb Tense Sequences.
Uses of the Active Voice.
Uses of the Passive Voice.
13.Nouns, Pronouns, and Case.
Understanding Nouns.
Understanding Pronouns.
Understanding Pronoun Case.
Using Pronoun Case.
Using Who and Whom.
Using Personal Pronouns with Compound Structures.
Using Personal Pronouns with Appositives.
Using Personal Pronouns with Elliptical Constructions.
Using We and Us with a Noun.
14.Adjectives and Adverbs.
Distinguishing between Adjectives and Adverbs.
Using Adjectives with Linking Verbs.
Using Adverbs with Two Forms.
Using Good/Well and Bad/Badly.
Using Comparative and Superlative Forms.
Avoiding Double Negatives.
Avoiding Overuse of Nouns as Modifiers.
Using Possessive Adjectives.
15.Prepositions, Conjunctions, and Interjections.
Recognizing Prepositions.
Using Prepositions in Writing.
Recognizing Conjunctions.
Using Interjections.
16.Maintaining Agreement.
Making a Verb Agree with a Third Person Singular Subject.
Making Separated Subjects and Verbs Agree.
Making Subject and Verb Agree with a Compound Subject.
Making a Verb Agree with an Indefinite Pronoun Subject.
Making a Verb Agree with a Collective Noun Subject.
Making a Verb Agree with Its Subject Rather Than a Complement.
Making a Verb Agree with Relative Pronoun Subjects.
Making Subject and Verb Agree in Inverted Sentences.
Maintaining Agreement with Singular Words That Appear Plural.
Making Verbs Agree in Titles and with Words Used as Words.
Making a Pronoun Agree with an Indefinite Pronoun Antecedent.
Making a Pronoun Agree with a Collective Noun Antecedent.
Making a Pronoun Agree with a Compound Antecedent.
Checking for Gender Specific Pronouns.
17.Grammar for ESL Writers.
Distinguishing Count Nouns from Noncount Nouns.
Recognizing and Using Determiners.
Using the Articles A, And, and The Correctly.
Choosing the Correct Quantifier for Countable and Uncountable Nouns.
Using Demonstratives Correctly.
Using Possessive Forms of Pronouns Correctly.
Using Correct Word Order for Adjectives and Other Noun Modifiers.
Distinguishing between the Present Participle and Past Participle Used as Adjectives.
Learning the Forms of Be, Have, and Do.
Using the Auxiliary Verbs Be, Have, and Do Correctly.
Recognizing and Using Modal Auxiliaries.
Using Gerunds and Infinitives.
Recognizing Common Phrasal Verbs and Correctly Placing Their Objects.
Using Prepositions to Express Times, Place, or Motion.
Placing Adverbs.
Changing Forms with Indirect Discourse.
Using Verb Tenses in Conditional Sentences.
Learning Idiomatic Expressions.
V.CLEAR AND EFFECTIVE SENTENCES.
18.Sentence Fragments.
Correcting Sentence Fragments.
Revising Phrase Fragments.
Revising Compound Predicate Fragments.
Revising Dependent Clause Fragments.
Using Acceptable Fragments.
19.Comma Splices and Fused Sentences.
Dividing Clauses into Separate Sentences.
Joining Clauses with a Semicolon.
Joining Clauses with a Semicolon and a Conjunctive Adverb.
Joining Clauses with a Comma and a Coordinating Conjunction.
Converting Two Clauses into a Single Independent Clause.
Converting One of Two Independent Clauses into a Dependent Clause.
Using Comma Splices and Fused Sentences Appropriately.
20.Misplaced, Interrupting, and Dangling Modifiers.
Revising Misplaced Words.
Revising Misplaced Phrases.
Revising Misplaced Clauses.
Revising Squinting Modifiers.
Revising Lengthy Modifiers That Separate a Verb from Its Subject.
Revising Modifiers That Separate a Verb from Its Direct Object or a Subject Complement.
Revising Modifiers That Split an Infinitive.
Revising Modifiers That Separate Parts of a Verb Phrase.
Revising Dangling Word and Phrase Modifiers.
Revising Dangling Elliptical Clauses.
21.Avoiding Shifts and Maintaining Consistency.
Maintaining Consistency of Person and Number.
Maintaining Consistency in Verb Tenses.
Maintaining Consistency in Mood.
Maintaining Consistency in Voice.
Avoiding Shifts between Direct and Indirect Quotations.
Maintaining Consistency in Diction and Tone.
22.Pronoun Reference.
Making Sure a Pronoun Refers to a Single Antecedent.
Keeping Pronouns and Antecedents Close Together.
Clarifying Confusing References with Particular Pronouns.
23.Mixed and Incomplete Sentences.
Revising Mixed Sentences with Incompatible Grammatical Patterns.
Revising Mixed Sentences with Faulty Predication.
Revising Confusing Elliptical Constructions.
Revising Sentences to Include Missing Words.
Revising Incomplete Comparisons.
VI.SENTENCE STYLE.
24.Writing Coordinate and Subordinate Sentences.
Using Coordination to Relate Equal Ideas.
Using Subordination to Distinguish Main Ideas.
25.Using Parallelism in Sentences.
Using Parallelism to Coordinate Elements in a Series.
Using Parallelism with Pairs.
Using Parallelism to Enhance Coherence.
Using Parallelism to Organize Lists and Outlines.
26.Achieving Sentence Variety.
Varying Sentence Length.
Varying Sentence Openings.
Varying Sentence Types.
27.Achieving Emphasis and Conciseness.
Writing with Emphasis.
Writing with Conciseness.
VII.WORDS.
28.Using a Dictionary.
Exploring a Dictionary.
Using Different Types of Dictionaries.
29.Using Appropriate Words.
Understanding Denotation and Connotation.
Using General and Specific, Abstract and Concrete Words.
Using Formal and Informal Language.
Avoiding Jargon.
Using Archaisms, Neologisms, and Acronyms.
Avoiding Regionalisms and Dialect Expressions.
Avoiding Euphemisms.
Avoiding Cliches.
Using Figurative Language.
30.Avoiding Biased Language.
Avoiding Racially and Ethnically Biased Language.
Avoiding Sexually Biased Language.
Avoiding Other Kinds of Biased Language.
31.Enriching Your Vocabulary.
Learning About the History of the English Language.
Recognizing the Roots of Words.
Understanding the Meanings of Prefixes and Suffixes.
Learning the Stories Behind Words.
Using Context Clues.
32.Improving Your Spelling.
Using Word Meaning to Aid Spellings.
Recognizing Homonyms.
Applying Common Spelling Rules.
Forming Plurals.
Spelling Words with Unstressed Vowels and Consonants.
Spelling Words with the Hyphen.
Six Steps to Better Spelling.
VIII. PUNCTUATION AND MECHANICS.
33.End Punctuation.
Using the Period
Using the Question Mark.
Using the Exclamation Point.
34.Commas.
Use a Comma before a Coordinating Conjunction That Links Independent Clauses.
Use a Comma to Set Off Introductory Elements.
Use Commas to Set Off Nonrestrictive Elements.
Use Commas between Items in a Series.
Use Commas to Separate Coordinate Adjectives.
Use Commas to Set Off Transitional and Parenthetical Expressions.
Use Commas to Set Off Absolute Phrases.
Use Commas to Set Off Contrasting Elements, Yes and No, Direct Address, and Tag Questions.
Use Commas with Dates, Addresses, Place Names, Numbers, and Titles.
Use Commas with Quotations.
Use Commas to Aid Comprehension
Avoid Using Unnecessary Commas.
35.Semicolons and Colons.
Use Semicolons to Signal a Close Relationship between Independent Clauses.
Use Semicolons between Independent Clauses Linked with a Conjunctive Adverb or a Transitional Phrase.
Use Semicolons to Separate Long and Complex Independent Clauses and Those That Contain Commas.
Use Semicolons to Separate Items in a Series.
Avoid Semicolon Errors.
Use Colons to Introduce a Statement That Qualifies a Statement in an Independent Clause.
Use Colons to Introduce a List.
Use Colons to Introduce Long or Formal Quotations.
Use Colons to Introduce Delayed Appositives.
Use Colons in Salutations, Memo Headings, Hour/Minutes, Titles/Subtitles.
Avoid Misuse of the Colon.
36.The Apostrophe.
Use Apostrophes to Form the Possessive Case of Nouns and Indefinite Pronouns.
Do Not Use an Apostrophe to Form the Possessives of Personal Pronouns and Adjectives.
Use Apostrophes in Contractions and to Indicate Missing Letters, Numbers, or Words.
Use the Apostrophe to Form the Plural of Letters, Numbers, Symbols, and Words Used as Words.
Avoid Using the Apostrophe Incorrectly.
37.Quotation Marks.
Use Quotation Marks for Direct Quotations.
Use Single Quotation Marks for Quotes within Quotes.
Set Off Lengthy Quoted Passages.
Use Quotation Marks with Poetry.
Use Quotation Marks for Dialogue.
Use Quotations Marks to Enclose Titles and Definitions.
Use Quotation Marks for Works Used in Special Ways.
Avoid Common Misuses of Quotation Marks.
Follow Established Conventions for Using Quotation Marks with Other Punctuation.
38.Other Punctuation Marks.
Using the Dash.
Using Parentheses.
Using Brackets.
Using Ellipses.
Using Slashes.
39.Capitals.
Capitalizing the First Word of a Sentence.
Capitalizing the First Word of a Quotation.
Capitalizing the First Letter in a Line of Poetry.
Capitalizing Proper Nouns and Adjectives.
Capitalizing the Titles and Subtitles of Works.
Capitalizing I and O.
Avoiding the Misuse of Capitals.
40.Italics.
Using Italics for Titles.
Using Italics for Words, Letters, Numbers, and Phrases Used as Words.
Using Italics for Foreign Words and Phrases.
Using Italics for the Names of Trains, Ships, Aircraft, and Spacecraft.
Using Italics for Emphasis.
41.Abbreviations.
Abbreviating Personal and Professional Titles and Academic Degrees.
Using Familiar Acronyms and Abbreviations.
Using the Abbreviations A.M., P.M., B.C. (BC), A.D. (AD), and Symbols.
Using Latin Abbreviations for Documentation Only.
Using Other Types of Abbreviations.
Using Abbreviations for Reference Information.
42.Numbers.
Spelling Out Numbers of One or Two Words.
Spelling Out Numbers at the Beginning of a Sentence.
Using Figures According to Convention.
43.Hyphens.
Use a Hyphen to Divide Words at the End of a Line.
Use a Hyphen with Compound Words.
Using Hyphens with Prefixes and Suffixes.
Using Hyphens for Clarity.
IX.RESEARCH.
44.Understanding Research.
Getting Ready to Do Research Writing.
Selecting Your Topic.
Using Primary and Secondary Sources.
Discovering the Library's Resources.
Doing Searches in the Library and on Computers.
Doing Field Research.
Compiling a Working Bibliography.
45.Writing the Research Essay.
Restricting Your Topic.
Evaluating the Usefulness of Sources.
Reading Sources Critically.
Taking Notes.
Developing a Reasonable Thesis.
Considering Your Audience.
Organizing Your Essay.
Drafting Your Essay.
Incorporating Evidence.
Avoiding Plagiarism and Acknowledging Sources.
Revising Your Research Essay and Collaboration.
Preparing the Final Manuscript.
46.Using the Internet for Research.
Accessing the Internet and Navigating with a Browser.
Narrowing and Refining Your Search.
Evaluating Electronic Sources.
47.Documenting Sources.
MLA Style for In-Text, Parenthetical Citations.
MLA Style for Explanatory and Reference Notes.
MLA Style for the Works Cited List.
APA Style for In-Text, Parenthetical Citations.
APA Style for Content Notes.
APA Style for the References List.
CMS Style for Footnotes (or Endnotes) and Bibliography.
CBE Formats for In-Text, Parenthetical Citations.
CBE Formats for the Reference List.
48.Reading Two Research Essays.
Sample Research Essay in MLA Style.
Sample Research Essay in APA Style.
X.WRITING IN DISCIPLINES.
49.Writing about Literature and the Arts.
Writing to Understand a Work.
Writing to Interpret a Work.
Writing to Evaluate a Work.
Writing Papers on Literary Works: The Assignment.
Two Sample Interpretations of Literary Works.
Humanities Web Research Resources.
50.Writing in the Social and Natural Sciences.
Understanding Methodology and Using Evidence in the Social Sciences.
Considering Purpose and Audience for Writing in the Social Sciences.
Documenting Sources in the Social Sciences.
Understanding Assignments and Formats in the Social Sciences.
Social Sciences Web Research Resources.
Understanding Methodology and Using Evidence in the Natural Sciences.
Considering Purpose and Audience for Writing in the Natural Sciences.
Documenting Sources in the Natural Sciences.
Understanding Assignments and Formats in the Natural Sciences.
Science Web Research Resources.
XI.WRITING FOR SPECIAL PURPOSES.
51.The Visual Design of Documents.
Using Graphics in Reports, Presentations, or Proposals.
Creating and Using Visuals.
Designing Newsletters.
52.Writing and Designing for the World Wide Web.
Composing Web Pages.
The World Wide Web: Rules and Conventions.
Planning and Organizing.
Extended Example Using Netscape Composer.
Testing and Revising Your Webpages.
Uploading Your Website.
Maintaining Your Webpage.
53.Business Writing.
Writing Business Memos and Letters.
Writing Job Application Letters.
Writing and Formatting Résumés.
Writing Business Correspondence as E-mail.
Preparing a Scannable Résumé.
Preparing an Internet Résumé.
54.Writing Essay Examinations.
Preparing for the Essay Exam.
Considering the Question and Answer.
Writing and Reviewing the Answer.
Appendix: Preparing the Final Manuscript for Submission.
Glossary of Usage.
Glossary of Terms.
Credits.
Index.
