Breaking Boundaries

Breaking Boundaries offers an important and significant alternative to most other developmental reading/writing books by providing instruction, readings, and activities that more closely resemble “college-level” work. Rather than offering one- to two-paragraph readings and worksheet drills, it features longer readings, more varied readings (multi- cultural, multi-disciplinary, multi-genre), specific strategies for becoming stronger readers, direct instruction in the writing process, and an array of post- reading writing assignments that are not solely based on personal experiences. Writing samples (journals and drafts of essays) guide readers through the steps in the writing process--showing clearly how reading, critical thinking, and writing are intertwined. The readings are drawn from non-fiction and fiction, from classic, modern, and contemporary, and include a variety of multicultural and multigender perspectives representing women, men, African Americans, Native Americans, Latinos, and Euro-Americans. They explore seven themes focusing on issues and controversies of contemporary importance: Equal Education for All: Is Education Fair to Everyone? The Power of Language. Defining Literacy: Whose Agenda Hits the Mark? Reading People's Stories: Why Should We Care? Women's Bodies: Women's Lives. Fiction Writers: Do These Stories Reflect or Define Society and Culture? Ways of Telling: Does Gender Shape Reality? A comprehensive chapter provides hands-on activities demystifies the process of using computers to draft essays. For anyone needing basic instruction or remedial work in anticipation of reading and writing successfully at the baccalaureate level.