Subjects:  1. Collections    2. Drama    3. General    4. Language Arts / Linguistics / Literacy    5. Literary Criticism    6. Literature    7. Literature - Classics / Criticism    8. Poetry    9. Rhetoric    10. Literary Criticism & Collections / General    11. Literary studies: general   

Editorial Review

Whether you write an occasional professional letter or a daily newspaper column, William Zinsser's Read more

Reviews (107)

Excellent for teachers of writing and writers...
This is a keeper.Although I purchased it for a grad class I am taking, I will use it for my teaching and my own writing.
Written very well
Zinsser has certainly mastered the art of writing well, and therefore can speak on the topic authoritatively.This book is not only written with humor, but with empathy for people who are struggling with the ability to write well.The book certainly demonstrates that this ability is not inherent, but rather it is moreso the ability to work hard, understanding that writing is a process and a very messy one at that.This work can inspire the worst among us to really try at being the very best writer that we potentially can be.

Talk about verbose
I am not a fan of this book. He begins by saying Do not use complicated words when a simple one will do. Then he continues by using complicated words throughout the entire book. He proceeds by telling the reader to do everything they were told not to do: use "I" and start sentences with "but." He is the only person I have heard of that is pro "I" and I refuse to do poorly on future essays because he likes it whereas no one else does. Much of his style is completely subjective--he doesn't explain well why he likes some phrases and dislikes others. One thing I'm sure of, no matter what I'd write, he'd hate it, including this review. In my opinion, the author can be described by words he uses frequently in the book: pompous and utterly (he'd say that word is unecessary but oh, I think it is) pretentious. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Authorship    2. Composition & Creative Writing - General    3. Creative Writing    4. English language    5. Exposition (Rhetoric)    6. Language    7. Language Arts & Disciplines    8. Reference    9. Report writing    10. Rhetoric    11. Writing Skills    12. Reference / Writing Skills   

Reviews (1)

A wonderful, scientific voyage
This book offers a broad coverage of the underlying structures and processes of speech. Beyond a primitive stage, man is unique in his ability to convey information by using his voice. And he has developed this ability from systems designed for more vital goals (eg., respiration and nutrition). In this respect, the work by Seikel, King and Drumright proves a great resource for studying the entire apparatus involved in voice production and perception, specifically the systems of respiration (energy source), phonation (voicing), articulation and resonation filtering), mastication and deglution, hearing, and neural. Furthermore, it includes several appendices for quick access to anatomical terms, morphology of terms, muscles, sensors and nerves, and a review of pathologies affecting production of voice. What I liked the most about the book is that you are systematically guided through all the germane systems, and when pertinent, the book provides references for deeper understanding of the material. Besides, after you have read sufficient content, the book shows summaries for reinforcement of the learnt concepts. Also, there are clinical notes distributed throughout the text, with germane discussions (related processes, pathologies, etc.). And every chapter has a set of questions for assessment of your understanding (do not worry, answers are included!).
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Subjects:  1. Anatomy    2. Audiology & Speech Pathology    3. Ear    4. Human anatomy    5. Human physiology    6. Medical    7. Medical / Nursing    8. Otolaryngology    9. Physiological aspects    10. Physiology    11. Speech    12. Language Arts & Disciplines / Speech   

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business Communication - General    4. Business/Economics    5. Communication    6. Industries - Media & Communications Industries    7. Business & Economics / Business Communication    8. Interdisciplinary Studies   

Reviews (2)

Shirley Brice Heath Has a "Way With Words"
Language is power. Heath, a reflective practitioner of both human nature and schooling, provides an in-depth view of communities which epitomize thestruggle for such power.In her ethnographic study of Trackton andRoadville, Heath lays bare the socializing process of children throughwords.The discontinuity between home and school is disturbing; arealization that students who do not fit the traditional way of schoolingare left behind.Clearly illustrated is the need for teachers and studentsto bridge the gap which exists in relation to both language and culture,for without this effort some students will never acquire the power neededto take control of their education or pursue opportunities from which theyhave previously been excluded. This is must reading for studentethnographers, doctoral students, and those dedicated to school reform,particularly those in the areas of diversity in public schools, andlanguage. This extraordinary book compares favorably to "Growing UpLiterate: Learning From Inner-City Families" by Denny Taylor &Catherine Dorsey-Gaines.

A Teacher's View
Teaching in a high school with a large number of minority children can be challenging.After reading this book, recommended by the debate teacher, I feel that I am better prepared.This book is an excellent resource forthose wanting to understand the student from a background different formtheir own.If you plan to work in public school, this book is a must-read.I borrowed a friend's book, and then decided I had to have a copy of myown. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children    2. Community and school    3. Elementary    4. General    5. Interaction analysis in educat    6. Interaction analysis in education    7. Language    8. Language Arts & Disciplines    9. Language Arts / Linguistics / Literacy    10. Language arts    11. Linguistics    12. Children--Language    13. English    14. Language Arts & Disciplines / General    15. Sociolinguistics   

Reviews (10)

Well worth buying and reading
This book is aimed at explaining proficiency oriented language teaching, and has very valuable material on proficiency and its importance. This is something many teachers seem to overlook as too obvious to be of concern, but Hadley shows it to be a central issue in teaching. The criticism made by one reviewer that it's tilted too much toward communicative teaching is mistaken. There's a difference between communicative teaching and proficiency oriented teaching, although they are obviously related. This book, like any other, is not sufficient by itself, but needs to be read an compared to others in order to get a range of viewpoints. It is not of instantaneous practical use to classroom teachers, but rather deals with the ideas behind teaching methods. It is a very valuable addition to a teacher's bookshelf and I have no regrets about buying it.

Why did I buy this book?
I remember using it in a course I took a few years ago, and I was thrilled to find so many different aspects of language teaching covered in one volume.When I was thinking of buying the present edition, I asked a friend, someone with a Master's degree in TESL/TEFL, her recommendation, and she said: "Well, Doug Brown recommended it to me."So I bought Teaching Language in Context, and am very glad I did.

If I were to choose one book
No book can cover every aspect of language instruction, but by all means Hadley's work would be right up there with Ellis, Richards and Rodgers among others.This is a solid book, jam packed with historical facts and insights, and I feel has caught the full heart of the profession representing the current state of the profession.I could not disagree with the first reviewer more.I am reading this book through and I love this book. This is not a technique-y book at all but a serious treatise and contribution to educators who want to have a broader scope on theory and instruction. In my mind, the author answers the who, what, where, when, how, and why not just of one method but does it with several of the major methods. And this she does in Chapter three!This is a 512 page text and to my mind, the reading is coherent, smart, and digestable. This text is certainly one of the better foundational texts for comprehensive grasp of the field.This book is be a springboard to assist the reader to think through the past and present assumptionan about teaching language; it is an excellent choice! If I were to only have one text to me to read in this area, this would be a top contender. Thank you Alice Omaggio Haddley for the hard work and care you put into this wonderful book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Foreign Language Study    2. General    3. Language    4. Language Arts / Linguistics / Literacy    5. Languages, Modern    6. Linguistics    7. Professional Development    8. Study & Teaching    9. Study and teaching    10. Education / Professional Development    11. Language teaching theory & methods    12. Teaching of a specific subject   

Editorial Review

A remarkable range of examples for the idea of visual thinking, with beautifully printed pages. A real treat for all who reason andlearn by means of images. -- Rudolf Arnheim ... Read more

Reviews (38)

An outstanding addition to my library
An outstanding addition to my library, Edward systematically explores the presentation of data showing the value of data rich content when it is properly displayed.After reading half the book, I couldn't sit through a presentation without coming up with at least 3 ways to improve it.The illustrations in the book are beautifully rendered and cover a diverse set of subject matter each as interesting as the next.The only topic concerning this book that I struggled with is whether or not to mark it up.In the end, as I do with all of my books I intend to refer back to, I did.

So you thought you knew how to envision information...
I recieved this book along with the most excellent (almost a companion book) Visual Display of Quantitative Information, from my CEO. Since I work a lot with numbers and he had been stressing the importance of presenting data clearly and concisely.
Fleshes out and expands the work Tufte has done on presenting information
"Envisioning Information" by Edward Tufte further fleshes out and expands the work he has done on presenting information.This volume is best suited for designers of complex information such as maps or schedules. As with his other books, it is richly illustrated with many colorful examples of well and poorly designed information displays.
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Subjects:  1. Art & Art Instruction    2. Business Communication - General    3. Communication    4. Communication In Groups    5. Computer Graphics - General    6. Design - General    7. Graphic Arts - General    8. Graphic Design    9. Language    10. Language Arts & Disciplines    11. Statistics    12. Visual communication    13. Computer graphics software    14. Industrial / Commercial Art & Design    15. Mathematics   

Reviews (4)

The best book I've read on creating readers....
One and a half years ago, my kindergartener was reading at a 3rd grade level but lacked "comprehension". While he could retell basic plot elements, he appeared to lack any ability to synthesize or think about what he had read.
Good read!
This book is easy to read and follow.I am studying to teach and this is one of the few books not written by a Dr. so it offers a fresh perspective!

Important Home and Classroom Education
Who doesn't like to be read to?This book solidifies the feeling that reading to children builds their vocabulary, their desire to read and more over their ability to read fluently.It's all about modeling.
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Subjects:  1. Children's Literature - General    2. Education / Teaching    3. Elementary    4. Juvenile Literature    5. Language    6. Language Arts & Disciplines    7. Language Experience Approach    8. Oral reading    9. Reading Education (General)    10. Reading Skills    11. Reference    12. Teaching Methods & Materials - Reading    13. Education / Teaching Methods & Materials / Reading   

Reviews (19)

The Best Korean Textbook Series in English
I won't be the first or last to say this, but the Integrated Korean series is hands-down the best Korean language learning series available in English.
Best Korean Textbook
I've been trying to learn Korean for the past year, and have used, without much success, a number of different text books, including "College Korean" and "Teach Yourself Korean," until a tutor recommended the Klear series.The Klear series, which is presently used at a number of colleges in the United States, is by far the best Korean instructional material that I have seen.The grammar is explained clearly, there is a sufficient quantity of sample sentences and practice exercizes, and the texbooks extend all the way up to the "Advanced Level."While it lacks the glossy pictures and snappy look of French, Spanish, and German textbooks, the Klear series represents an impressive achievement. Indeed, I wish the textbooks available for modern European langauges were this good!
best korean learning book ever
This is an amazing set of korean textbooks. If you don't know about the complimentary listening tools online, you should be aware that this website exists:
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Subjects:  1. English    2. Foreign Language - Dictionaries / Phrase Books    3. Korean    4. Korean language    5. Language    6. Language Arts & Disciplines    7. Reference    8. Textbooks for foreign speakers    9. Language teaching & learning material & coursework   

Reviews (46)

Essential Reading For Husbands and Fathers
Alright, besides being a great read for women, the book should be required reading for husbands, brothers, and fathers of sisters and mothers...(hey, that's all of us?)
Okay if you read textbooks for pleasure
There was some interesting information in the book, but it was a pretty dry read overall.Most of my book club didn't make it past the first 25 pages, and only two of us finished it.

Amazon rip off
The book I ordered was fine...the problem I have is with Amazon...you're charged shipping from each vendor you purchase from and that amounts to ridiculous shipping charges.I was to receive free shipping because my order was over $30...I paid dearly for shipping because there were two different vendors. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Communication    2. Family & Relationships    3. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    4. Family Relationships    5. Family/Marriage    6. General    7. Interpersonal Communication    8. Mothers and daughters    9. Parent And Child    10. Parent and adult child    11. Family & Relationships / General   

Reviews (7)

Good for 1st year english...
This book is laid out and designed to be used for quick reference regarding grammar, citations, etc. with information in well organized sections. This book is similar to many other writing `handbooks', it is important to know which one your professor would like you to use. It had plenty of information for MLA, but it glosses over other styles rather quickly.
Awesome!
Great delivery time!Very good book to help with all of those term papers whether you need APA or MLA writing styles.Up to date information on online resources, ect.

Key for Writers, Fourth edition, 1994
It is a great book for assisting in one's writing. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Composition & Creative Writing - General    2. English language    3. Grammar    4. Handbooks, manuals, etc    5. Language    6. Language Arts & Disciplines    7. Language Arts / Linguistics / Literacy    8. Report writing    9. Rhetoric    10. ELT: writing skills    11. English    12. Writing skills   

Reviews (8)

Thorough and practical
I use this as the text for a university level ESL Methods course.I've especially liked the authors use of specific classroom examples, as well as suggestions for learning activities that students can utilize.It is also full of suggestions for effective teaching strategies to use with ELLs.

Helpful with strategies for teaching ELLs.
This book is a great source for both mainstream teachers and TESOL teachers.It helps in teaching all kinds of students.Very helpful!

Great Textbook
This book is an excellent resource for all teachers of ELLs.They give so many examples and ways to implement the ideas introduced.The additional reading is an expansive list of websites and reading for further research.Well written and easy to follow publisher website also accompany this text. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. English as a Second Language    2. English language    3. Foreign Language - Dictionaries / Phrase Books    4. Foreign Language Study    5. Foreign speakers    6. General    7. Language    8. Study and teaching    9. ELT: teaching theory & methods    10. Education / Bilingual Education    11. English    12. Teaching of a specific subject   

Reviews (3)

How to love reading
This book is an understandable way for parents to instill the love of reading into their children. It gives real, practical ways to encourage the child to think beyond the text and link their reading to real world experiences, other books they have read and their own feelings. A very good book for parents with children who are just learning to read.
Practical Pedagogy for the Home and for the Classroom
Usually, after a kid has learned her phonics, she can sit down with a book and explore its inner world. Sometimes, however, one encounters a kid who can read perfectly fine, but who just doesn't get it; no matter how many times she is asked to "focus", she will finish the book with little more information than with which she started. If you are entrusted with the education of the latter type of child, than this book can provide valuable insight and direction.
A MUST for Parents and Teachers
I devoured this book!!As a parent and a teacher, I know that this book is valuable for both groups.If children have the benefit of knowing how to think while they read, there can be no stopping them.All of us who love to read may not even realize what we are doing during this process but something wonderful happens when we are engaged with a book:To name and model the "7 Keys" for children is so important for their futures as good readers.Read more

Subjects:  1. Family & Relationships    2. Family/Marriage    3. Language Arts / Linguistics / Literacy    4. Parent participation    5. Parenting - General    6. Reading    7. Reading Skills    8. Reading comprehension    9. Family & Relationships / Parenting   

Reviews (2)

Approach and Selections Make this a Winner
Using poetry, fiction, photos, and essays, the book offers a colorful tour of the subtle and not-so-subtle influences Americans deal with every day, and it guides the reader through the process of 'reading' these 'texts' that make up our world. The texts include not just the written variety but also television, movies, popular music, and public space. Excellent!!!
This is an excellent book!!! This book provides an intelligent, engaging and enjoyable perspective of reading, writing and understanding literature. What makes this book captivating is the personal tone of the book, it really has a unique approach to teaching literature and it's very lively copy. Captivating literature choices!!! I really enjoy this book, it not only teaches about literature, it also touches on the life around us and how we interact with that world. This book comes in handy for any stage of your writing and it is an enjoyable read. Intelligent writers, whose strongest asset is their own fresh thoughts they share with the reader!!! Highly recommend this book!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Books & Reading    2. Composition & Creative Writing - General    3. Culture    4. English Composition    5. English language    6. Language    7. Language Arts & Disciplines    8. Language Arts / Linguistics / Literacy    9. Problems, exercises, etc    10. Readers    11. Rhetoric    12. Language Arts & Disciplines / Composition & Creative Writing    13. Sociology, Social Studies   

Reviews (28)

I'm learning a lot!!
I really didn't even use the cd's for two weeks, just the book and it's been marvelous.My boyfriend is Hispanic and I felt the need to be able to at least recognize a few words of Spanish.Once I started to use the cd's everything came so quickly.Como se dice FANTASTIC in espanol!!!!

learning spanish
I am taking this slow, there arecd's and I have them in my car. I will not go to the second cd until I have the first one down pat.I am learning so much I work with spanish speaking people and I am speaking very clearly.I love this!

Best Yet
Conversational Spanish in Nothing Flat (8 One Hour CDs/200 Page Illustated Text/Answer Keys & Tapescript) is the best Spanish language course I have yet tried.
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Subjects:  1. Foreign Language Study / Spanish    2. General    3. Spanish: Adult Nonfiction    4. Unabridged Audio - Misc.Nonfiction    5. Audio - Language    6. Audio Adult: Language    7. Foreign Language Study    8. Self-instruction    9. Spanish    10. Spanish language   

Subjects:  1. Sociolinguistics    2. Political Ideologies - Conservatism & Liberalism    3. Language Arts / Linguistics / Literacy    4. Semantics    5. Political Science (Specific Aspects)    6. Communication Studies    7. Conservatism & right-of-centre democratic ideologies    8. Political campaigning & advertising    9. Political parties    10. Language Arts & Disciplines    11. United States    12. English language    13. Political aspects    14. Linguistics (Specific Aspects)    15. Language    16. Social aspects   

Reviews (1)

Much ado about nothing
I have been required to use this text at one school where I teach, and it is a dismal experience.Most of the other instructors feel the same way, but we are overruled by a minority opinion.
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Subjects:  1. Composition & Creative Writing - General    2. English language    3. Grammar    4. Handbooks, manuals, etc    5. Language    6. Language Arts & Disciplines    7. Language Arts / Linguistics / Literacy    8. Report writing    9. Rhetoric    10. English    11. Language Arts & Disciplines / Composition & Creative Writing    12. Writing skills   

Reviews (7)

Very Helpful
I found this book to be very helpful in a number of areas. From developing a well written paper to using correct grammar, this book is it! It is easy to understand and uses a well thoughtout formula which is great for the novice. This book will be within easy reach for years to come.

merely adequate
every english major and writer should have a freshman comp handbook. this one is okay. it covers everything well enough.and if it weren't for the Little, Brown Handbook, i might suggest the Scott, Foresman Handbook. But the little brown handbook is by far superior, and i suggest that anyone interested in the scott foresman, or any other freshman comp handbook, check out the little brown before making a purchase.

Straightforward and Comprehensive
This book is aimed mostly at students and inexperienced writers.The subjects covered range from commonly-confused words to punctuation to creative inspiration to revision to research papers and business letters --basically, everything.For students, there are sections on how to writefor particular academic subjects.Read more

Subjects:  1. Composition & Creative Writing - General    2. Language    3. Language Arts & Disciplines    4. Language Arts / Linguistics / Literacy    5. Rhetoric    6. Language Arts & Disciplines / Composition & Creative Writing    7. Teaching of a specific subject   

Subjects:  1. English as a Second Language    2. English language    3. Foreign Language Study    4. Grammar    5. Language    6. Language Arts / Linguistics / Literacy    7. Linguistics    8. Problems, exercises, etc    9. Textbooks for foreign speakers    10. ELT grammars & grammar practice    11. English    12. Foreign Language Study / English as a Second Language   

Reviews (25)

German Made Easier
Through lack of use, German verbage eludes me often.This manual is very accurate and easy to use.

Good stuff
This book is a must have if you are serious about devloping your German.

If only you spoke french!
This is a great book to keep near your desk to leaf through when that pesky verb comes up (preterit of "werden" - third person plural... can't remember??) pick up this book and leaf through it to find what you need. This being said, I still don't feel that it is a complete survey of the entire german verb system. While it does a good job picking many indicative and model verb forms, it still leaves something to be desired.
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Subjects:  1. Foreign Language - Dictionaries / Phrase Books    2. Foreign Language Study    3. German    4. German Language    5. Grammar    6. Language    7. Tables    8. Tables, etc    9. Verb    10. Foreign Language Study / German    11. Grammar & vocabulary