Contents
Section 1. The Writing Process
Exercise 1.1: Thinking about Composing
Stages of the Writing Process
Thinking about Audience
Organizing and Outlining Ideas
Editing
Key Words in Assignments
Exercise 1.3: Identifying Key Words in Writing Assignments
Content
Idea-Generating Techniques: Points to Consider
Exercise 1.4: Generating Ideas
Outlining
Determining Order of Information
Essays
F. Revising and Editing
G. A 10-Step Guide to the Writing Process
Section 2. Grammar and Style
Exercise 2.1: Recognizing Word Form Errors
B. Articles
Nouns with General Reference
Nouns with Definite Reference
Nouns Using Zero (No) Article
Exercise 2.2: Using Articles
C. Prepositions
Exercise 2.3: Using Appropriate Prepositions
D. Word Choice in Formal Writing Style
Exercise 2.5: Using More Formal Words
Using Pronouns to Avoid Repeating Nouns
Using Synonyms for Reference
Exercise 2.6: Using Reference Words to Avoid Repetition
F. Reducing Wordiness
Exercise 2.7: Reducing Wordiness
Clauses
Exercise 2.8: Identifying Independent and Dependent Clauses
Phrases
H. Subject-Verb Agreement
Exercise 2.9: Practicing Subject-Verb Agreement
Run-On Sentences
Sentence Fragments
Exercise 2.11: Correcting Sentence Fragments
J. Comma Splice
Exercise 2.12: Recognizing Comma Splices
Identifying Adjective Clauses
Non-Identifying Adjective Clauses
Exercise 2.13: Comma Use in Adjective Clauses
L. Parallel Structure
Exercise 2.14: Creating Parallel Structures
M. Sentence Combining
Exercise 2.15: Combining Sentences with Subordinators
Varying the Positions of Modifiers
Changing Emphasis with a Divided Sentence
Example Paragraph and Revision
Section 3. Punctuation
End of Sentence
Exercise 3.2: Period with Decimals
Exercise 3.3: Question Mark and Period
Exercise 3.4: Exclamation Point
Exercise 3.5: Comma with Introductory or Transitional Words or Phrases
Exercise 3.6: Comma after Introductory Clauses
Exercise 3.7: Comma before Conjunctions
Exercise 3.8: Comma with Lists of Words, Phrases, or Clauses
Exercise 3.9: Comma with Coordinate Adjectives
Exercise 3.10: Comma with Quotations
With Some Abbreviations
With Interrupting Expressions
Exercise 3.12: Comma with Contrasting or Interrupting Elements or Those Needing Separation for Clarity
When Separating Elements with Internal Commas
Exercise 3.14: Semicolon Separating Elements with Internal Commas
Before Short Quotations
In Ratios
Exercise 3.15: Colon
With Prefixes
With Strong Interrupting Element
With Direct Quotations
With Long Direct Quotations
For Special Meaning
With Numbers
To Show Errors in Quoted Passage
To Show Possession
At the Beginning of a Sentence
As Part of Spelling
First Line of Paragraphs
Block Indentation of Long Quotations
Q. Abbreviation Period
Section 4. Quick Reference
Comparison/Contrast
Referring to a Specific Point in the Text
B. Words Often Confused
C. Active and Passive Voice
D. Verb Tenses
Present Continuous
Present Perfect Continuous
Future Perfect Continuous
E. Irregular Verb Forms
Infinitive Functioning as a Noun
Common Adjectives (Usually Followed by the Infinitive)
Phrasal Verbs
Common Preposition + Noun Phrases
Section 5. Citation Style Guides
A. APA Style: References and Format
Exercise 5.1: APA References: Correcting Errors
APA Format for Student Research Paper
B. MLA Style: Works Cited and Format
Exercise 5.2: MLA Works Cited: Correcting Errors
What’s New in MLA, 8th Edition?
MLA Format for Student Research Paper
Common Correction Symbols for Editing
Glossary
Appendix: Using the Workbook with the Condensed Handbook
Answer Key