Essentials of the Essay: Writing, Reading, and Grammar (2nd Edition)

Solid writing and expressive skills are essential to success in every facet of life; whether it's a college admissions essay, a business proposal, or a personal letter, a well-written piece of writing makes a strong statement about an individual. Moreover, good writing is a basic skill that all individuals must learn to master if they are to communicate and interact in their world. Yet, it is considered a task, a chore, and very often, a major stumbling block on the path toward success for many people. This book is committed to transforming this struggle into success by teaching the writing of short essays through analytical reading, controlled writing, and model essays. This book integrates reading, writing, and grammar skills throughout, reinforcing the fact that essay writing requires competence in all three areas. Each chapter features short essays by professional writers, instructional essays by the author, and paragraphs and essays of various levels of writing -- all of which serve as model essays for readers. Short essays by professional writers deal with thought-provoking topics that serve as an impetus to writing. By the end of the book, readers will have interacted with over 100 essays from a variety of sources and styles. Writing instructors, writing students, and people of all ages and abilities who want to improve their writing.