Synopses & Reviews
Presented in a clear and visually appealing fashion, THE WRITER'S WORKPLACE breaks down the difficult writing concepts into easy to read, step-by-step explanations. All elements of writing, from grammar through the writing process, are covered in this text making it the most comprehensive yet easiest book on the market for the beginning writing student.
Review
"It is still the most thorough and the easiest book to use for the students and faculty."
Review
"The range of readings is excellent. The authors come from diverse backgrounds and write on diverse topics."
About the Author
Sandra Scarry is the former Academic Coordinator of the COPE program (College Opportunity to Prepare for Employment) at The City University of New York. She came to that position after many years of classroom teaching in English and ESOL. She has published numerous textbooks in the areas of grammar and writing.John Scarry holds a Ph.D. from New York University and is the senior professor in the English Department of Hostos Community College, The City University of New York. He has been publishing writing textbooks for thirty years and his scholarly articles have appeared in many journals here and abroad.
Table of Contents
Part 1: AN INVITATION TO WRITING. 1. Gathering Ideas for Writing. 2. Recognizing the Elements of Good Writing. Part 2: CREATING EFFECTIVE SENTENCES. 3. Finding Subjects and Verbs in Simple Sentences. 4. Making Subjects and Verbs Agree. 5. Understanding Fragments and Phrases. 6. Combining Sentences Using the Three Options for Coordination. 7. Combining Sentences Using Subordination. 8. Correcting Fragments and Run-Ons. 9. Choosing Correct Pronouns. 10. Working with Adjectives, Adverbs and Parallel Structure. 11. Practicing Irregular Verbs. 12. Mastering Verb Tenses. 13. Using Correct Capitalization and Punctuation. Part 3: UNDERSTANDING THE POWER OF WORDS. 14. Choosing Words that Work. 15. Paying Attention to Look-Alikes and Sound-Alikes. Part 4: CREATING EFFECTIVE PARAGRAPHS. 16. Working with Paragraphs: Topic Sentences and Controlling Ideas. 17. Working with Paragraphs: Supporting Details. 18. Developing Paragraphs: Illustration. 19. Developing Paragraphs: Narration. 20. Developing Paragraphs: Description. 21. Developing Paragraphs: Process. 22. Developing Paragraphs: Comparison/Contrast. 23. Developing Paragraphs: Cause and Effect. 24. Developing Paragraphs: Definition, Classification. Part 5: STRUCTURING THE COLLEGE ESSAY. 25. Moving from the Paragraph to the Essay. 26. Watching a Student Essay Take Form. 27. Writing an Essay Using Examples, Illustrations, or Anecdotes. *Professional Essay: Harold Krents, "Darkness at Noon." 28. Writing an Essay Using Narration. *Professional Essay: Langston Hughes, "Salvation." 29. Writing an Essay Using Process. Professional Essay: Richard Koonce, "How to Ace a Job Interview." 30. Writing an Essay Using Comparison/Contrast. *Professional Essay: Dave Barry, "The Ugly Truth About Beauty." 31. Writing an Essay Using Persuasion. *Professional Essay: Dr. Howard Kaplan, "Its Time We Helped Patients Die." Professional Essay: Roxana Robinson, "Censorship or Common Sense?" 32. Other College Writing: The Research Paper and the Essay Exam. Part 6. FURTHER READINGS FOR THE COLLEGE WRITER. Strategies for the Active Reader (This is an introduction by John Scarry). Michael Dorris, "Summer Reading." Alice Walker, "My Daughter Smokes." Judith Ortiz Cofer, "The Paterson Public Library." Leo N. Miletich, "Sleepless in El Paso." *James Poplin with Katia Hetter "Americas Gambling Craze." Peter Elbow, "Freewriting." Suzanne Britt, "Neat People vs. Sloppy People." Tenaya Darlington, "Dream Houses." June Jordan, "Requiem for the Champ." Isaac Asimov, "What Is Intelligence, Anyway." *Russell Baker, "The Plot Against People." Alvin and Heidi Toffler, "The Changing American Family." Barbara Mujica, "No Comprendo." *Elaine Weiss, "Why Dont These Women Just Leave?" *Catherine L. Aspy, "Should Women Go Into Combat?" *Gale Research Group, "Media Violence Causes Teen Violence." APPENDICES. A. Reference Guide for the ESL Student. B. Parts of Speech. C. Irregular Verbs. D. Spelling. E. Transitions. F. A Guide to Online Resources for Writers. Answers to Odd-numbered Grammar Exercise Questions. Answer Key to Practices and Selected Exercises. Index. *DENOTES SELECTIONS NEW TO THIS EDITION.