A Writer's Reference

Let's be real, this book is small -- almost pocket-sized. But that's the whole idea. This tough little book provides a quick reference for all English composition forms, so serious writers will want to carry it everywhere. It is a must-have for any high-school or college student taking English composition. Any person who writes for a living should have this book as well. The spiral binding allows the open book to sit flat on your desk. Its cover is heavily laminated so it can be tossed into a backpack or briefcase without thrashing it too much. ...And you won't want to thrash it because this is one expensive bad-boy book.

Describing the contents of one of the most beneficial grammar books I study is difficult, though it is easy to read, research, check, verify, and use. Diana Hacker has written many books to help people understand and use the English language in the correct way. This is a heritage that also protects the language for future generations, just as dictionaries do. The Main Menu is divided into topics and the sections that relate to it. Within each of these is a category breakdown, as follows:Composition/Style: (C) Composing and revising, (D) Document Design, (E) Effective sentences, and (W) Word Choices. Correctness: (G) Grammatical sentences, (T) ESL Trouble spots, (P) Punctuation, and (S) Spelling and mechanics.Research/ Basic Grammar: (R) Research Writing, (M) MLA documentation, (A) Alternative styles of documentation, and (B) Basic grammar.The index is also helpful. I selected a topic at random--adjective phrases: (1) Infinite, 350, (2) participle, 349, (3) prepositional, 348-349, (4) punctuation of, 198, 205.The format displays what type of information is on that page. (1) Page 350 is B for basic grammar information, as are 348 and 349. Pages 98 and 205 are P or punctuation. This book is on my desk, and is one of the most useful tools I own. I cannot recommend it enough. Any serious writer, editor, or student needs it. 5 stars.Victoria Tarrani

Don't listen to anything else you've heard; this is THE must-have guide for any undergrad or grad student who is tasked with writing any kind of research or term paper. The author provides easily understandable examples and explanations of APA and Mla formats with helpful grammar tips. This guide is a must have for any serious student or writer. Kudos to Ms. Hacker!

All students at Manchester College, IN, (where I teach) are expected to own and use a copy of this extremely helpful, user friendly reference guide to writing. The spiral bound format of the book is outstanding, since someone can have it open as they type, or jot down notes, or thoughts. The book is organized into three major sections: 1) Composition/Style, 2) Correctness, and 3) Format/Basic grammar. Each of those major sections are subdivided into four supporting subsections as follows:Composition/Style -- 1) Composing and revising, 2) Research writing, 3) Effective sentences, and 4) Word Choice.Correctness -- 1) Grammatical sentences, 2) ESL Trouble spots, 3) Punctuation, and 4) Spelling and mechanics.Format/Basic Grammar -- 1) Document design, 2) MLA documentation, 3) Alternative styles of documentation, and 4) Basic grammar.In addition to those sections, there are tutorials at the front of the book that helps the user get the best benefit from support available in the book. There are also ESL hints throughout the text, not just in the section dedicated to ESL challenges. The index is helpful, there are several URLs at the back of the book where a writer can go for more help, and there is even a page that shows revision symbols. There are ample examples throughout, and anyone who conscientiously applies the lessons in this book will become a better writer.This is a top-flight book with great things to offer everyone -- from struggling first-year college students taking their first composition class to the polished professional writer.The strengths of this text made this book the top choice to support our writing across the curriculum program at Manchester College. Many other colleges and universities also use this great book.5 stars for utility and support.Alan Holyoak, Dept of Biology, Manchester College, IN

As an English instructor, I have mulled over various texts in the search for the most student and instructor accessible book. My search ended when I found Professor Hacker's A Writer's Reference. This concise work includes introduction to grammar and style, a review of the basics, and an extensive guide to research. My colleagues and I agree that Professor Hacker's book should be required as a resource in English courses. The book is true to its title; it is a writer's reference.