English Grammar For Writing

With many students arriving at college-level composition courses lacking a thorough grounding in grammar, English Grammar for Writing aims to support both instructors and students in addressing this gap. This text focuses on high-frequency grammar and style issues such as punctuation, passives, and parallelism. The text simplifies the technical complexity of grammar by focusing on how to teach writing and the conventions of good writing. It is based on the theory that once students know basic grammar rules and functions, they will then have the confidence and the framework to view language coherently and systematically. When that framework is in place, students can apply their grammatical knowledge to the writing assignment they encounter in their classroom. "Speech versus Writing" (Chapter 1) discusses how the distinction between speech and written text goes right to the heart of the connection between grammar and writing. This chapter demonstrates how punctuation and the other conventions of writing replace the resources that speech or visual images inherently possess, such as verbal intonation and clearly visible signs. "Structuring Information in Writing" (Chapter 11) presents advice on skillfully using intonation and structuring information--material that is not included in most grammar textbooks--as well as guidance on using punctuation, passive voice, and variations in word order to convey intent most effectively. This chapter can also offer students insight into writing problems that may be hard to diagnose. "Written Standards and the Oral Varieties of English" (Chapter 13) focuses on linguistic diversity by featuring sections on the grammatical systems of Black English and Appalachian English, Standard English, and Dialects, and the use of descriptive versus prescriptive language. Visual elements such as sophisticated cartoons show students the humorous aspects of language and help illustrate the power of language.