Evaluation of an English Grammar Handbook The Writers

Evaluation of an English Grammar Handbook The Writer’s Brief Handbook Fifth edition By Alfred Rosa and Paul Eschholz

The Purpose and Theoretical Orientation O For college writers O Presecriptive+Descriptive “If offers clear definitions of important terms and concepts as well as helpful explanations of the rules and principles underlying effective written English. ” O “We believe The Writer’s Brief Handbook is the best concise yet comprehensive reference…”- Appropriate

The Purpose and Theoretical Orientation O The book introduces some advice on avoiding bias in writing O Bountiful and carefully chosen writing examples for students

The Purpose and Theoretical Orientation O Some of additional important features O ① user-friendly, multifaceted access system -tabbed dividers, complete chapter outlines, a color-coded, fold-out menu at the back ② writing process orientation -covers all stages of the writing process in depth with visual graphics for students

The Purpose and Theoretical Orientation O ③ more students and professional writing examples than any other handbook ④ computer tips and checklists-help present helpful reminders for students while writing and conducting research. . .

Handling Usage Issues O How does the book handle the changing nature of English? -bountiful writing samples -extensive internet source (http: //www. ablongman. com/rosa) -a separate publication, Exercise Book for The Writer’s Brief Handbook

How does the handbook handle variation? O American English - Dictionaries and Thesauruses The New American Webster Handy College Dictionary, The Oxford American Desk Dictionary and Thesaurus, Merriam Webster College Dictionary O Document Design- different formats and formality levels

How does the handbook handle variation? O Latest MLA, APA, and Chicago Manual Documentation and Manuscript Format Guidelines- extensive up-to-date models. Basic formatting information for academic manuscripts is provided with sample student research papers for each style differences

Addressing the special needs of non-native speakers of English O ESL Basics tab O Verbs/Nouns, quantifiers and articles/Adjectives and adverbs/Prepositions and prepositional phrases/Parts of sentences/Special problems/Confusing words and phrases O Familiar terminology

Coverage and coverage adequacy O Coverage- good -color coded themes -very organized and user friendly -detailed explanation and graphics -great writing samples and explanation

Well handled parts O Complete writing samples O Explanations with the writing sample (page number) O Special kinds of writing-Business letter, resume, checklists for academic writing

Weak part O ESL - Very brief

Physical Format O Easy to use, simply designed. Color coded tabs O Very well organized (especially Detailed Contents) O Index and table of contents exists. Easy to use O Tabbed sections (color coded)- very convenient

Physical Format O Clear explanation- brief definitions and plenty and ample examples O No pocket manual O Folded manual- very detailed and long

Recommendation O Very helpful grammar book -Plenty examples and details -Wide range of themes but well organized -Tabs are very convenient