Rich with encouragement and attention to students’ trepidation about writing, Odyssey focuses on helping students build paragraph and essay writing skills while treating the writing process as a voyage of self-discovery and confidence building.
Table of Contents:
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
