Strategies for Successful Writing: A Rhetoric, Reader, and Handbook

by James A.; Von Der Osten Reinking, Andrew W. Hart, Robert von der Osten

Designed to serve as three books-in-one, this comprehensive text combines a reader and a handbook section. The rhetoric section presents the full range of writing strategies, all illustrated by student essays, along with coverage of research writing, special writing assignments, and paragraph and sentence skills. The reader section presents a mix of 41 contemporary and classic essays by professional writers. The handbook section is designed as an easy reference to the major elements and errors of grammar, punctuation and mechanics.

Genres: Reference, Writing, Nonfiction

631 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1986

Reviews

[BlackbirdFrenzy Meagher · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's fine as a technical overview but nothing special. Reading about writing isn't writing.

[Katy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Here's the thing: this text is bare bones and mostly "just the facts Ma'am"; just the thing for community college or non-English major students. I've found the "Reader" section, which contains real-life essays on topics from immigration to machsimo to defining family, to be a useful supplement for modeling examples of writing topics, strategies, and architecture. Plus, the TOC sports a cross-reference that matches up the categories of the essays in the "Reader" section to the "Rhetoric" section, so I don't have to flog my brain, and, gasp -- do it myself.

[Meltha · Rating 4 out of 5]

While not perfect, this really does work as a good composition textbook. It's clear, provides a workable number of readings from which to select, and succeeds in getting to the point. I admit, though, that I've never used the grammar section.

[Samantha Garlock]

Hey it is a textbook give me a break! ;)

[Lucille · Rating 5 out of 5]

I still refer to this book.

[Kareena]

Read the chapters that were required for my English course. [March 27, 2015]