The Essentials of Writing ― Ten Core Concepts

This textbook identifies the most important skills and knowledge college students must develop for competence as writers. It focuses on the ideas of writing as a rhetorical act, writing as a way to participate in conversations that shape people's lives, and writing as a means of inquiry. It details 10 core concepts for writing--writing as a process of discovery and learning; that good writing fits the context; that medium is part of the message; that a writer must have something to say and support claims and assertions; that purpose determines form, style, and organization in writing; writing as a social activity; revision as a key part of writing; that there is always a voice in writing; and good writing means more than good grammar--and how to apply them to any piece of writing, with a case study illustrating their application to a writing assignment (new to this edition). Subsequent chapters address working with ideas and information, designing documents, finding source material, evaluating and using sources, and citing sources using MLA (Modern Language Association) style. Chapters incorporate digital technologies and literary practices, and each chapter ends with a guide for writing and writing project assignments. This edition has new chapters on analysis writing and argumentative writing, as well as student comments on readings, and new research and MLA documentation guidelines. Annotation ©2018 Ringgold, Inc., Portland, OR (protoview.com)