Odyssey

Preface



About the Authors





Part 1



Starting Out





Chapter 1 Ensuring Success in Writing



Overview: Understanding the Importance of Good Writing Skills



Recognizing the Stages of the Writing Process



Understanding the Dynamics of Writing



Focusing on the Reader



Examining the Purpose behind Your Writing



Understanding the Important Relationship between Writing and Reading



RECAP Ensuring Success in Writing





Chapter 2 Generating Ideas through Prewriting



Overview: Seeing Prewriting as a Way to Explore Ideas



Understanding Prewriting



Freewriting



Brainstorming



Clustering



Branching



Idea Mapping



Maintaining a Journal



RECAP Generating Ideas through Prewriting





Chapter 3 Composing: Creating a Draft



Overview: Understanding Composing



Recognizing the Structure of a Paragraph



Identifying an Effective Topic



Writing a Clear, Specific Topic Sentence



Providing the Best Support for the Topic Sentence



Deciding on the Most Effective Arrangement



Making Your Material Reader Centered



Using a Reader Evaluation Checklist



Developing a Complete Draft



RECAP Composing: Creating a Draft





Chapter 4 Refining and Polishing Your Draft



Overview: Understanding the Revising Stage



Reassessing: Reseeing Your Work



Maintaining Unity



Providing Coherence



Transition * Organizing Sentences Effectively



Choosing Effective Language



Keeping Your Writing Specific * Keeping Your Writing Concise



Getting Feedback from an Objective Reader



Redrafting



Acknowledging Your Sources



MLA Format



APA Format



Editing



Developing a Personal Proofreading System



Using Computer Tools to Your Advantage



Examining a Revised Draft



RECAP Refining and Polishing Your Draft



portfolio 1





Part 2



Using the Patterns of Paragraph Development



Chapter 5 Narration



Overview: Understanding the Modes, Purposes, and Importance of Telling Your Story



Writing a Clear Topic Sentence That Establishes a Context



Relying on Chronological Order



Choosing the Most Effective Point of View



Providing a Thorough Presentation



Providing Transition for Narrative Paragraphs



RECAP Narration





Chapter 6 Description



Overview: Creating a Picture in Words



Previewing the Focus of Description through the Topic Sentence



Using Sensory Details



Relying on Objective and Subjective Description



Using Spatial Order



Providing Transition for Description Paragraphs



RECAP Description





Chapter 7 Example



Overview: Illustrating Your Point



Providing a Topic Sentence That States the Point You Will Illustrate



Providing Specific Examples



Ensuring That Your Examples Are Relevant



Providing an Effective Presentation



Providing Transition for Example Paragraphs



RECAP Example





Chapter 8 Process



Overview: Explaining How It Happens or How to Do It



Including a Topic Sentence That Clearly States the Process



Using the Imperative Mood: You



Dividing the Process into Simple, Logical Steps



Relying on Linear Order



Providing Transition for Process Paragraphs



RECAP Process





Chapter 9 Definition



Overview: Making Meaning Crystal Clear



Providing a Topic Sentence That Highlights the Term to Be Defined



Understanding the Pattern of an Effective Definition



Recognizing the Full Effect of the Term Defined



Enhancing Definition through Synonyms, Negation, and Etymology



Providing Transition for Definition Paragraphs



RECAP Definition





Chapter 10 Comparison and Contrast



Overview: Expressing Similarities and Differences



Providing a Topic Sentence That Specifies Both Subjects and Indicates the Focus



Establishing Your Basis for Comparison



Providing a Thorough and Specific Presentation



Arranging Your Ideas Effectively



Providing Transition for Comparison and Contrast Paragraphs



RECAP Comparison and Contrast





Chapter 11 Cause and Effect



Overview: Explaining Reasons and Consequences



Providing a Topic Sentence That Focuses on Cause and Effect



Distinguishing between Direct and Related Causes and Effects



Avoiding Oversimplification of Causes and Effects



Providing an Effective Arrangement



Providing Transition for Cause and Effect Paragraphs



RECAP Cause and Effect





Chapter 12 Division and Classification



Overview: Analyzing the Whole in Terms of the Parts



Specifying Scope and Emphasis through a Topic Sentence



Establishing a Logical Method of Analysis



Maintaining a Consistent Presentation



Using Distinct and Complete Groupings



Providing Transition for Division and Classification Paragraphs



RECAP Division and Classification





Chapter 13 Argument



Overview: Understanding Persuasion



Providing a Topic Sentence That Expresses a Clear Stance on the Issue



Developing Sufficient Support through Sound Reasons



Using a Reasonable, Convincing Tone



Using Sound Logic



Arranging Your Support in Emphatic Order



Providing Transition for Argument Paragraphs



RECAP Argument





Portfolio 2



Part 3



Moving On to the Essay



Chapter 14 Developing an Essay



Overview: Understanding the Essay



Understanding the Structure of an Essay



The Introduction



The Body



The Conclusion



Examining an Effective Essay



Examining the Process of Writing an Essay



Prewriting: Generating Ideas and Identifying a Manageable Focus



Developing an Effective Thesis



Composing



Creating an Effective Introduction and Conclusion



Introduction * Conclusion * Understanding the Relationship between Topic Sentences and the Thesis * Developing a Solid First Draft



Revising



Reassessing * Revising for Unity * Revising for Coherence * Revising for Effective Language * Seeking Help from an Objective Reader * Redrafting * Editing: Eliminating Errors



Looking Again at the Final Draft



RECAP Developing an Essay





Chapter 15 Examining Types of Essays



Overview: Understanding How to Use the Modes to Develop Essays



The Relationship between Your Purpose and the Modes



Using Narration to Develop an Essay



Examining a Narrative Essay



Using Description to Develop an Essay



Examining a Descriptive Essay



Using Example to Develop an Essay



Examining an Example Essay



Using Process to Develop an Essay



Examining a Process Essay



Using Definition to Develop an Essay



Examining a Definition Essay



Using Comparison and Contrast to Develop an Essay



Examining a Comparison and Contrast Essay



Using Cause and Effect to Develop an Essay



Examining a Cause and Effect Essay



Using Division and Classification to Develop an Essay



Examining a Division and Classification Essay



Writing an Argument Essay



Examining an Argument Essay



RECAP Examining Types of Essays





Chapter 16 Adjusting Your Process: Timed Writing and Summaries



Overview: Understanding How to Deal with the Pressure of Timed Writing



Answering an Essay Question Effectively



Preparation



Active Reading * Effective Note-Taking



Anticipation



Rehearsal



Drawing Up a Practice Question * Developing a Sample Essay Answer



Completing a Writing Assessment Effectively



Understanding the Five-Paragraph Essay



Examining a Sample Writing Assessment



Writing an Effective Summary



Examining the Summarizing Process of Preparing a Summary



Quick Study: Student Example



RECAP Adjusting Your Process: Timed Writing and Summaries





Portfolio 3



Part 4



Developing Sentence Sense





Chapter 17 The Sentence



Overview: Understanding Sentence Basics



Understanding Verbs



Recognizing Subjects



Quick Study: Student Example



Chapter Quick Check: Sentence Basics



Summary Exercise: Sentence Basics



RECAP The Sentence





Chapter 18 Fragments



Overview: Recognizing and Writing Complete Sentences



Correcting Fragments with Missing Subjects or Verbs



Correcting Phrase Fragments



Correcting Subordinate Clause Fragments



Correcting Appositive Fragments



Quick Study: Student Example



Chapter Quick Check: Fragments



Summary Exercise: Fragments



RECAP Fragments





Chapter 19 Subordination and Coordination



Overview: Combining Clauses for Sentence Diversity



Using Subordination



Using Coordination



Achieving Coordination by Using Coordinating Conjunctions



Achieving Coordination by Using Semicolons



Quick Study: Student Example



Chapter Quick Check: Subordination and Coordination



Summary Exercise: Subordination and Coordination



RECAP Subordination and Coordination





Chapter 20 Comma Splices and Run-on Sentences



Overview: Understanding Comma Splices and Run-on Sentences



Identifying Comma Splices and Run-on Sentences



Correcting Comma Splices and Run-ons by Using Coordinating Conjunctions



Correcting Comma Splices and Run-ons by Using Subordinating Conjunctions



Correcting Comma Splices and Run-ons by Using Semicolons



Correcting Comma Splices and Run-ons by Using Periods



Quick Study: Student Example



Chapter Quick Check: Comma Splices and Run-on Sentences



Summary Exercise: Comma Splices and Run-on Sentences



RECAP Comma Splices and Run-on Sentences





Portfolio 4



Part 5



Understanding Subjects and Verbs



Chapter 21 Subject-Verb Agreement



Overview: Understanding Subject-Verb Agreement



Avoiding Agreement Errors When the Subject Follows the Verb



Avoiding Agreement Errors When Words Come between the Subject and Verb



Avoiding Agreement Errors with Indefinite Pronouns



Avoiding Agreement Errors from Other Causes



When the Subject Is Compound



When the Subject Is a Collective Noun or Is Introduced by a Cue Word



When The Subject Is a Singular Word Ending in -s, a Word Referring to an Amount, or a Word That Has the Same Singular and Plural Form



Quick Study: Student Example



Chapter Quick Check: Mastering Subject-Verb Agreement



Summary Exercise: Mastering Subject-Verb Agreement



RECAP Subject-Verb Agreement





Chapter 22 Basic Tenses for Regular Verbs



Overview: Understanding Tense



Using the Simple Present, Simple Future, and Simple Past Tenses



Using the Perfect Tenses



Quick Study: Student Example 353



Chapter Quick Check: Working with Basic Verb Tenses



Summary Exercise: Working with Basic Verb Tenses



RECAP Basic Tenses for Regular Verbs





Chapter 23 Irregular Verbs and Frequently Confused Verbs



Overview: Understanding Irregular Verbs and Other Verb Problems



Identifying Irregular Verbs



Working with Forms of To Be



Choosing between Can and Could and between Will and Would



Quick Study: Student Example



Chapter Quick Check: Eliminating Problems with Irregular Verbs and Can and Could and Will and Would



Summary Exercise: Eliminating Problems with Irregular Verbs and Can and Could and Will and Would



RECAP Irregular Verbs and Frequently Confused Verbs





Chapter 24 Passive Voice, Additional Tenses, and Maintaining Consistency in Tense



Overview: Understanding Additional Elements of Verb Use



Forming the Passive and Active Voice



Using the Progressive and Perfect Progressive Tenses



The Progressive Tenses



The Perfect Progressive Tenses



Maintaining Consistency in Tense



Quick Study: Student Example



Chapter Quick Check: Mastering Voice, Progressive and Perfect Progressive Tenses, and Consistency in Verb Tense



Summary Exercise: Mastering Voice, Progressive and Perfect Progressive Tenses, and Consistency in Verb Tense



RECAP Passive Voice, Additional Tenses, and Maintaining Consistency in Tense





Portfolio 5



Part 6



Keeping Your Writing Correct





Chapter 25 Nouns: Working Effectively with Words That Name



Overview: Understanding Nouns



Reviewing the Function and Form of Nouns



Considering Singular Nouns Ending in -s, Collective Nouns, and Cue Words



Chapter Quick Check: Working with Nouns



Quick Study: Student Example



Summary Exercise: Working with Nouns



RECAP Nouns: Working Effectively with Words That Name





Chapter 26 Pronouns: Understanding Case, Clear Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement, and Nonsexist Pronoun Usage



Overview: Choosing the Correct Pronoun



Examining Pronoun Types



Understanding and Applying Pronoun Case



Maintaining Agreement in Number



Maintaining Agreement with Indefinite Pronouns



Maintaining Agreement with Demonstrative and Reflexive or Intensive Pronouns



Maintaining Agreement with That, Who, and Which Clauses



Keeping the Relationship between Pronoun and Antecedent Clear



Avoiding Problems with Gender in Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement



Quick Study: Student Example



Chapter Quick Check: Working with Pronouns



Summary Exercise: Working with Pronouns



RECAP Pronouns: Understanding Case, Clear Pronoun-Antecedent



Agreement, and Nonsexist Pronoun Usage





Chapter 27 Adjectives, Adverbs, and Other Modifiers: Using Describing and Modifying Words Effectively



Overview: Understanding the Roles of Adjectives and Adverbs



Understanding Adjectives and Adverbs



Creating Comparative and Superlative Forms of Adjectives and Adverbs



Working with Confusing Pairs of Adjectives and Adverbs



Avoiding Dangling and Misplaced Modifiers



Avoiding Double Negatives



Quick Study: Student Example



Chapter Quick Check: Working with Adjectives and Adverbs



Summary Exercise: Working with Adjectives and Adverbs



RECAP Adjectives, Adverbs, and Other Modifiers: Using Describing and



Modifying Words Effectively





Chapter 28 Parallelism: Presenting Related Items in a Similar Form



Overview: Balancing Ideas in Your Writing



Maintaining Parallelism with Words in a Series



Maintaining Parallelism with Phrases



Maintaining Parallelism When Using Correlative Conjunctions



Quick Study: Student Example



Chapter Quick Check: Maintaining Parallelism



Summary Exercise: Maintaining Parallelism



RECAP Parallelism Presenting Related Items in a Similar Form





Chapter 29 Spelling: Focusing on Correctness



Overview: Understanding the Importance of Correct Spelling



Basic Rules for Forming Plurals



Basic Rules for Prefixes and Suffixes



The Basic Rule for ie or ei



Basic Rules for -sede, -ceed, and -cede, and Other Endings That Sound Alike



Dealing with Commonly Confused Words



Learning the Most Commonly Misspelled Words



Quick Study: Student Example



Chapter Quick Check: Spelling Skills



Summary Exercise: Spelling Skills



RECAP Spelling: Focusing on Correctness





Chapter 30 Commas



Overview: Understanding Comma Use



Using a Comma between Clauses Connected by Conjunctions



Using Commas to Separate Items in a Series



Using a Comma to Set Off Introductory Material



Using Commas to Set Off Elements That Interrupt Sentence Flow



Using Commas to Set Off Direct Quotations



Recognizing Other Situations in Which Commas Are Needed



Quick Study: Student Example



Chapter Quick Check: Comma Use



Summary Exercise: Comma Use



RECAP Commas





Chapter 31 Other Punctuation and Capitalization



Overview: Maintaining Correctness and Clarity through Punctuation and Capitalization



Using Periods, Question Marks, and Exclamation Points



Using Quotation Marks



Using Apostrophes



Using Other Marks of Punctuation



Colons



Semicolons



Parentheses and Dashes



Understanding Capitalization



Quick Study: Student Example



Chapter Quick Check: Punctuation and Capitalization



Summary Exercise: Punctuation and Capitalization



RECAP Other Punctuation and Capitalization





Portfolio 6



Part 7



Connecting: Responding to Reading



Overview: Responding to Reading



Taking Notes



Active Reading Strategies



Active Reading Illustrated



5: a.m.: Writing as Ritual Judith Ortiz Cofer



Fish Cheeks Amy Tan



Dear Satu: Letters Tell the Story of Our Lives Rey de la Cruz



Nightwatch Paul Fletcher



Back, but Not Home Maria Muniz



Words, Good or Bad, Can Echo through a Lifetime

Bob Greene



Deceit Gary Soto



Learning English as a Second Language Kimmom Pech (student)



Pride Stephanie Jezak (student)



Exposed Toes Diane Riva (student)



Childhood-Then and Now Jane Patenaude (student)



Fear Not Greg Andree (student)



Nontraditional Jobs Jennifer Mcelroy (student)



R-E-S-P-E-C-T Josh Trepanier (student)



Home Schooling Lori Ann Moyer (student)



Appendix Tips for ESL Writers



Rhetorical Index



Credits



Index