Brief, lively examples that provide outstanding models for students. Most of the 79 selections in Models for Writers are comparable in length (2-3 pages) to the essays students will write themselves, and each clearly illustrates a basic rhetorical element or pattern.
An organization that covers the elements, language, and types of essays. Students get a firm grasp of the basic elements and language of the essay in Parts Two and Three, with unique separate chapters focusing on such important topics as thesis, organization, transitions, diction, and tone, before being introduced to types of essays and rhetorical patterns in Part Four.
A focus on the writing process and the reading/writing connection. Part 1 details the steps in the writing process, illustrated with a student essay in progress, and offers students advice on reading critically and on writing from reading, with four sample student essays.
Extensive editorial apparatus in a clear, concise format. Each chapter features a thorough introduction, and each selection is accompanied by a detailed biographical note and activities that help students explore both the writer's technique and the content of the selection.
Practical instruction on working with sources. Near the beginning of the book, a brief, helpful chapter, Writing with Sources, includes advice on summarizing, paraphrasing, quoting, and integrating source material and avoiding plagiarism. A sample student paper and two professional essays model different ways of engaging meaningfully with outside sources.