Writing Clear Paragraphs

by Robert B. Donald, James D. Moore, Betty Richmond Morrow

This classic book/workbook helps readers who feel underprepared for writing tasks move step-by-step toward writing competency. Using a clear, informal, light-hearted narrative and intensive practice, it guides readers assuredly through the process of organizing a paragraph, structuring its sentences, and choosing effective wording and punctuation. Explains how to apply the details and methods of arrangement required to compose unified, coherent, and well-developed paragraphs for all major modes of writing -- narrating, describing, explaining a process, explaining with examples, comparing or contrasting, classifying, defining, persuading. Intersperses grammar instruction between writing instruction and word instruction. Features anecdotes, student and professional examples, cartoons, and exercises throughout. Provides a "Do's and Don'ts" section in all chapters. Includes numerous boxed Guidelines for a convenient quick overview or review of important concepts in encapsulated form. For anyone needing to develop writing competency at the paragraph level.

Genres: Writing

Paperback

First published January 1, 1978

Reviews

[Norbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great reference book. Not read as a novel as it's a study in writing. I started by reading the Index and marking each area that I felt weak in. I then used Post-it to mark the pages corresponding with the Index marks. I then added new areas by going through the Index several times, always marking the new pages with Post-it. Now that I'm quite familiar with the book and its content it's easy to look up and refresh what I want to more permanently retain. But certainly not trying to memorize everything but a few concepts to aid in my conversations and writings. The book was on the "free shelf" at the library so I picked it up to augment my other (4) grammar books and my dictionary.
Although not necessarily this book, I strongly recommend having several grammar books to peruse often. A favorite is "Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation."