Scaffolded activites and questions support students as they learn strategies for reading and writing.
- Reading instruction offers practice in using context clues to build vocabulary, identifying the structure of an essay, analyzing an essay’s thesis, and evaluating the validity of the authors’ positions.
- Writing instruction, framed as writing in response to reading, covers paraphrase and summary, writing clear paragraphs, writing and evaluating thesis statements, and creating persuasive essays.
- Instruction in the modes takes students from the definition and requirements of each mode, to reading and writing in it.
Reading selections represent a range of disciplines and a mix of genres, with an overall emphasis on achieving success in school, work, and life.
- Readings drawn from magazines, newspapers, the Web, and textbooks are designed to resemble their sources, as a reminder to students to consider context.
- Readings like Robert Epstein’s "How Science Can Help You Fall in Love" offer compelling glimpses into a variety of academic disciplines.
- Selections on health, stress-management, and interpersonal relationships help students manage college life while honing their reading and writing skills.
- Topics such as race relations, the consequences of war, the pros and cons of volunteer work, and the virtues and pitfalls of technology help students connect reading with the issues they deal with every day.
- Textbook excerpts give students practice reading specialized vocabulary, developing study skills, and performing well on exams.
Emphasis on practical applications of reading and writing skills helps students transfer what they learn to their courses. The opening chapter on college success provides tips for managing workload and making the most of college resources.
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