Meaning First:
A Functional Handbook of Fifty Ways
to Polish Your Writing
Carolyn
G. Hartnett, College of the Mainland
2000,
112 pages, paper, spiral bound, $21.95 U.S.
ISBN 0-9644636-7-9. Instructor’s Manual available.
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Table of Contents
Meaning First
is a concise rhetoric and handbook that takes students
step-by-step from generating and developing an idea
to final editing. Meaning First covers
the topics treated by traditional handbooks, but
in a functional way. Instead of rules, Meaning
First shows patterns and how they work;
it explains reasons for choosing one pattern instead
of another. In the tradition of Hallidayan linguistics,
it combines rhetoric and grammar in a functional
approach, assuming that grammar expresses meaning.
Meaning
First gathers
and assembles information from students through
a series of 50 "probes." Each probe consists
of a series of questions or suggestions (over 300
in all) that students must respond to as they plan,
draft, and revise their writing. Questions or directions
in the text’s left-hand margin explore a particular
aspect of the draft and suggest how to make improvements.
Each probe also has a section labeled "Help"
that explains more fully how choices influence readers
and how the writer can make the draft work as it
should.
Meaning
First is
especially designed for students in college composition.
However, other writers will also find it useful,
especially those from nontraditional backgrounds
(e.g., students in basic writing or ESL courses).
.
ADDITIONAL
FEATURES:
-
Frequent
cross-references to other probes.
-
Probes
can be used in any order.
-
Examples
throughout illustrate strategies at both the
sentence and essay level.
-
Special
charts and lists for verb forms, irregular verbs,
and easily confused words.
-
Numerous
exercises throughout each chapter.
-
Illustrates
MLA and APA documentation styles.
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