Take it step-by-step for writing success! The quickest route to learning a subject is through a solid grounding in the basics. So what you won’t find in Easy Writing Skills Step-by-Step is a lot of endless drills. Instead, you get a clear explanation that breaks down complex concepts into easy-to-understand steps, followed by highly focused exercises that are linked to core skills--enabling learners to grasp when and how to apply those techniques. This book features: Large step-by-step charts breaking down each step within a process and showing clear connections between topics and annotations to clarify difficultiesStay-in-step panels show how to cope with variations to the core stepsStep-it-up exercises link practice to the core steps already presentedMissteps and stumbles highlight common errors to avoid You can master writing as long as you take it Step-by-Step!

Table of Contents:
Introduction 1 The Foundation Reasons for Writing Parts of an Essay Next Steps 2 Getting Started Step 1: Narrow Your Focus and Determine Your Thesis Statement Your First Free Writing Research Your Second Free Writing Your Thesis Statement Next Steps 3 Methods of Development Step 2: Choose Your Method of Development Narration Description Process Comparison/Contrast Cause and Effect Argument/Persuasion Transitions Fallacies Method Examples Next Steps 4 Form a Plan: Outlines Step 3: Develop Your Outline Formal Topic Outline Sentence Outline 1-2-3 Outline In-Class Essay Exam Next Steps 5 Craft Your First Draft Step 4: Write Your First Draft Title Introductory Paragraph Developmental Paragraphs Concluding Paragraph Next Steps 6 Your Writer’s Toolbox: Sentences Step 5: Prepare for Your Final Draft, Part 1 Parts of Speech Sentences Key Problem Areas Parallel Phrasing Next Steps 7 Your Writer’s Toolbox: Mechanics Step 5: Prepare for Your Final Draft, Part 2 Spelling Key Punctuation More on Punctuation Grammar Next Steps 8 Your Writer’s Toolbox: Style Step 5: Prepare for Your Final Draft, Part 3 Guidelines for Stronger Writing Giving Your Writing Extra Flair Language to Avoid: Wordiness and Redundancy Gender-Free Writing Twelve Tips for Compelling Writing Next Steps 9 Your Final Draft Checklist Step 6: Revise and Finalize The Revision Process The Review Process Three-Stage Review Checklist Next Steps 10 A Final Look Step 7: Proofread The Value of Proofreading What Is Proofreading? Checking the Three Cs Proofread in Stages A Final Word 11 A Finished Assignment: From Beginning to End First Free Writing Research Second Free Writing Outline First Draft Preparing for the Final Draft Final Polished Essay Next Steps Appendix A: Checklists for Specific Essay Types Appendix B: Grammar and Usage Glossary of Terms Appendix C: Useful Word Lists Appendix D: Writing, Grammar, and Word References Appendix E: Proofreading in Stages Appendix F: Before and After Examples Answer Key Index Footnote ch14_fn01