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

by James A. Reinking, Robert von der Osten

Now in its eighth edition, the authors of Strategies for Successful a Rhetoric, Research Guide, Reader, and Handbook have strived to achieve the same steadfast goals that have motivated them from the create a rhetorically-organized writing guide that combines four books into one convenient and flexible teaching tool while offering students an exceptional value. By having at their disposal a comprehensive textbook that offers ample material for a full-year composition course, instructors teaching a one-term course can make various selections from Chapters 1-17, from whatever types of specialized writing suits the needs of their students, and from the appropriate essays in the reader. As well, because the authors believe strongly that an effective composition textbook should address students directly, they've aimed for a conversational yet clear style that invites students into the book, lessens their apprehensions about writing, and provides a model for their own prose. This style complements the authors' strong student-based approach to writing, and together they help create a text that genuinely meets student needs.

Genres: Reference, Writing, Nonfiction

816 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]