Handbook for Writers: Excellence in Literature - Reading and Writing Through the Classics

The book to have on hand for high school essay writing. This is not just an attempt on my part at a play on words; its the best description of this book. A compilation of two books from a Canadian author that have impacted the authors writing (Janice Campbell, author of the Excellence in Literature series), this book has an abundance of guidance for correct essay (persuasive) and argument construction plus extensive sections on mechanics and usage.

The author maintains that one of the single most important intellectual skills in an undergraduate education is learning to write an essay that clearly and convincingly presents a point of view. Students entering high school have usually written who (personal/autobiographical) or what (objective/factual) papers. High school is the time to focus on the abstract/universal papers to master the art of the why paper in a logical and compelling way. The first half of this handbook provides a step-by-step guide to arguments taking the student from simple first principles through defining key terms, deductive/inductive arguments, organization and paragraph structure. Multiple examples illustrate the covered skills.

The second half of the handbook is devoted to usage and style and provides systematic coverage of sentence construction, word usage, punctuation, reference citing (MLA and APA), bibliographies and paper formats.

Whether using one of the authors literature courses or completing any other high school writing assignment, this book will be useful and put to use. 420 pgs, pb. ~ Janice