Introduction. Subject, reader, and kinds of writing -- Strategy and style -- Grammar, usage, and mechanics. Part 1. The writing process. Looking for subjects -- Exploring for topics -- Making a plan -- Drafts and revisions. Part 2. The essay. Beginning -- Closing -- Organizing the middle -- Point of view, persona, and tone. Part 3. The expository paragraph. Basic structure -- Paragraph unity -- Paragraph development: (1) illustration and restatement -- Paragraph development: (2) comparison, contrast, and analogy -- Paragraph development: (3) cause and effect -- Paragraph development: (4) definition, analysis, and qualification.
Part 4. The sentence. The sentence: a definition -- Sentence styles -- The well-written sentence: (1) concision -- The well-written sentence: (2) emphasis -- The well-written sentence: (3) rhythm -- The well-written sentence: (4) variety. Part 5. Diction. Meaning -- Clarity and simplicity -- Concision -- Figurative language -- Unusual words and collocations -- Improving your vocabulary: dictionaries. Part 6. Description and narration. Description -- Narration. Part 7. Punctuation. Stops -- The other marks.