The Beacon Handbook and Desk Reference

The Beacon Handbook and Desk Reference is a compact, up-to-date guide to a broad range of issues related to writing. With an accessible, non-technical style, Beacon discusses the writing process, critical thinking, grammar, usage, punctuation, mechanics, and the research process, illustrating these principles with both student and professional samples. It includes standard coverage for mid-sized handbooks, including research planning and documentation, writing about literature, English-as-a-second-language, the essay examination, business writing, and document design. Highlights of this sixth edition includes: - New! Expanded coverage of argumentation Chapter 5, now entitled "Critical Thinking and Argumentation," has been heavily updated to further emphasise the argumentative essay - New! Expanded and Updated Research Coverage Chapters 31-33 have been completely revised to incorporate the latest information on electronic research and documenting electronic sources - New! Four-colour chapter on document design. Chapter 34, "Document Design and Manuscript Preparation," includes detailed advice on designing print documents as well as designing web sites