2 / Introduction
• The chapters detailing each method of development and each type of writing
look at- characteristics of the method and/or type,
- the process for developing the method and/or type, including prewriting,
writing, revising, and proofreading, - writing samples to illustrate the characteristics and process of the method
and/or type, - analyses of the writing samples describing their important features.
• For every method of development and, where appropriate, for types of writing,
the book includes six kinds of models to aid writing across the curriculum.
Chapters include at least one in-text model with multiple additional samples
available online at the Web address cited in the chapter. Together, the text and
online sample papers model content appropriate for
English
Social Sciences
Science
Mathematics
Workplace Writing
Technical Writing
• Wherever appropriate, all six samples for a specific kind of writing deal with
the same general topic. The result illustrates how to tailor your writing to a
specific audience.
• The samples may also feature parallel topics to further understanding. For
instance, using the same novel as the subject of a book review, a literary
analysis, a synopsis, and a book report for the major disciplines makes clear
how one kind of writing differs from another.
• The practical, readable writing samples range from single paragraphs to full-
length research papers and address a wide variety of contemporary subjects.
High school and college students have written many of the samples. Teachers
in the respective disciplines agreed to the writing samples’ success.
• The book includes numerous illustrations, examples, notes, hints, and
warnings that help clarify solutions to common writing problems.
• Cross-references within the book emphasize the relationships among the
many facets of writing and help you understand terms or concepts that may
otherwise hinder you.
• Frequent references to online searches and data banks acknowledge the
technical and electronic world in which you work.
As a result of its organization, many cross-references, thorough treatment of each topic,
and multiple models both within its pages and online, this book should meet any need in
any writing situation. I hope you agree. But more importantly, I hope that what you find
in these pages—and on supporting Web pages—improves your writing, in school, on the
job, and in your personal life. When that happens, this book will have met its goal.