Foundations First

Foundations First guides students through the process of writing sentences and paragraphs with simple explanations, appealing visuals, and student-friendly examples. Kirszner and Mandell's compelling approach lets students practice grammar in the context of their own writing and helps prepare them for success in college composition and beyond. Treating students with respect -- a hallmark of the Kirszner and Mandell approach -- the book also addresses study skills, ESL concerns, vocabulary development, and critical reading, providing beginning writers with all the support they need to master the essentials of good writing. The fourth edition gives students even more help transitioning into college, with new coverage on communicating in college and new tips for college success. Read the preface.

During their more than 25-year collaboration, LAURIE KIRSZNER and STEPHEN MANDELL have produced a number of best-selling college texts for Bedford/St. Martin's, including Focus on Writing (2011), Writing First: Practice in Context (2009), Patterns for College Writing (2010) and Practical Argument (2011). Laurie Kirszner teaches composition, literature, and creative writing at the University of the Sciences. Stephen Mandell is the founder and former director of the basic writing program at Drexel University, where he teaches composition, literature, and technical and business writing.