Odyssey: From Paragraph to Essay » (6th Edition)

Rich with encouragement and attention to students’ trepidation about writing, Odyssey focuses on helping students build paragraph and essay writing skills while treating the writing process as a voyage of self-discovery and confidence building.

Brief Contents

Preface

About the Authors

PART I Starting Out

Chapter 1 Ensuring Success in Writing

Chapter 2 Generating Ideas through Prewriting

Chapter 3 Composing: Creating a Draft

Chapter 4 Refining and Polishing Your Draft

PART 2 Using the Patterns of Paragraph Development

Chapter 5 Narration

Chapter 6 Description

Chapter 7 Example

Chapter 8 Process

Chapter 9 Definition

Chapter 10 Comparison and Contrast

Chapter 11 Cause and Effect

Chapter 12 Division and Classification

Chapter 13 Argument

PART 3 Moving On to the Essay

Chapter 14 Developing an Essay

Chapter 15 Examining Types of Essays

Chapter 16 Adjusting Your Process: Timed Writing and Summaries

PART 4 Developing Sentence Sense

Chapter 17 The Sentence

Chapter 18 Fragments

Chapter 19 Subordination and Coordination

Chapter 20 Comma Splices and Run-on Sentences

PART 5 Understanding Subjects and Verbs

Chapter 21 Subject—Verb Agreement

Chapter 22 Basic Tenses for Regular Verbs

Chapter 23 Irregular Verbs and Frequently Confused Verbs

Chapter 24 Passive Voice, Additional Tenses, and Maintaining Consistency in Tense

PART 6 Keeping Your Writing Correct

Chapter 25 Nouns: Working Effectively with Words That Name

Chapter 26 Pronouns: Understanding Case, Clear Pronoun—Antecedent Agreement, and Nonsexist Pronoun Usage

Chapter 27 Adjectives, Adverbs, and Other Modifiers: Using Describing and Modifying Words Effectively

Chapter 28 Parallelism: Presenting Related Items in a Similar Form

Chapter 29 Spelling: Focusing on Correctness

Chapter 30 Commas

Chapter 31 Other Punctuation and Capitalization

PART 7 Connecting: Responding to Reading

Appendix Tips for ESL Writers

Rhetorical Index

Credits

Index

Detailed Contents

Preface

About the Authors

PART I Starting Out

Chapter 1 Ensuring Success in Writing

Overview: Understanding the Importance of Good Writing Skills

Recognizing the Stages of the Writing Process

Understanding the Dynamics of Writing

Focusing on the Reader

Examining the Purpose behind Your Writing

Understanding the Important Relationship between Writing and Reading

Recap Ensuring Success in Writing

Chapter 2 Generating Ideas through Prewriting

Overview: Seeing Prewriting as a Way to Explore Ideas

Understanding Prewriting

Freewriting

Brainstorming

Clustering

Branching

Idea Mapping

Maintaining a Journal

Recap Generating Ideas through Prewriting

Chapter 3 Composing: Creating a Draft

Overview: Understanding Composing

Recognizing the Structure of a Paragraph

Identifying an Effective Topic

Writing a Clear, Specific Topic Sentence

Providing the Best Support for the Topic Sentence

Deciding on the Most Effective Arrangement

Making Your Material Reader Centered

Using a Reader Evaluation Checklist

Developing a Complete Draft

Recap Composing: Creating a Draft

Chapter 4 Refining and Polishing Your Draft

Overview: Understanding the Revising Stage

Reassessing: Re-seeing Your Work

Maintaining Unity

Providing Coherence

Transition

Organizing Sentences Effectively

Choosing Effective Language

Keeping Your Writing Specific

Keeping Your Writing Concise

Getting Feedback from an Objective Reader

Redrafting

Acknowledging Your Sources

MLA Format

APA Format

Editing

Developing a Personal Proofreading System

Using Computer Tools to Your Advantage

Examining a Revised Draft

Recap Refining and Polishing Your Draft

Portfolio 1

PART 2 Using the Patterns of Paragraph Development

Chapter 5 Narration

Overview: Understanding the Modes, Purposes, and Importance of Telling Your Story

Writing a Clear Topic Sentence That Establishes a Context

Relying on Chronological Order

Choosing the Most Effective Point of View

Providing a Thorough Presentation

Providing Transition for Narrative Paragraphs

Recap Narration

Chapter 6 Description

Overview: Creating a Picture in Words

Previewing the Focus of Description through the Topic Sentence

Using Sensory Details

Relying on Objective and Subjective Description

Using Spatial Order

Providing Transition for Description Paragraphs

Recap Description

Chapter 7 Example

Overview: Illustrating Your Point

Providing a Topic Sentence That States the Point You Will Illustrate

Providing Specific Examples

Ensuring That Your Examples Are Relevant

Providing an Effective Presentation

Providing Transition for Example Paragraphs

Recap Example

Chapter 8 Process

Overview: Explaining How It Happens or How to Do It

Including a Topic Sentence That Clearly States the Process

Using the Imperative Mood: You

Dividing the Process into Simple, Logical Steps

Relying on Linear Order

Providing Transition for Process Paragraphs

Recap Process

Chapter 9 Definition

Overview: Making Meaning Crystal Clear

Providing a Topic Sentence That Highlights the Term to Be Defined

Understanding the Pattern of an Effective Definition

Recognizing the Full Effect of the Term Defined

Enhancing Definition through Synonyms, Negation, and Etymology

Providing Transition for Definition Paragraphs

Recap Definition

Chapter 10 Comparison and Contrast

Overview: Expressing Similarities and Differences

Providing a Topic Sentence That Specifies Both Subjects and Indicates the Focus

Establishing Your Basis for Comparison

Providing a Thorough and Specific Presentation

Arranging Your Ideas Effectively

Providing Transition for Comparison and Contrast Paragraphs

Recap Comparison and Contrast

Chapter 11 Cause and Effect

Overview: Explaining Reasons and Consequences

Providing a Topic Sentence That Focuses on Cause and Effect

Distinguishing between Direct and Related Causes and Effects

Avoiding Oversimplification of Causes and Effects

Providing an Effective Arrangement

Providing Transition for Cause and Effect Paragraphs

Recap Cause and Effect

Chapter 12 Division and Classification

Overview: Analyzing the Whole in Terms of the Parts

Specifying Scope and Emphasis through a Topic Sentence

Establishing a Logical Method of Analysis

Maintaining a Consistent Presentation

Using Distinct and Complete Groupings

Providing Transition for Division and Classification Paragraphs

Recap Division and Classification

Chapter 13 Argument

Overview: Understanding Persuasion

Providing a Topic Sentence That Expresses a Clear Stance on the Issue

Developing Sufficient Support through Sound Reasons

Using a Reasonable, Convincing Tone

Using Sound Logic

Arranging Your Support in Emphatic Order

Providing Transition for Argument Paragraphs

Recap Argument

Portfolio 2

PART 3 Moving On to the Essay

Chapter 14 Developing an Essay

Overview: Understanding the Essay

Understanding the Structure of an Essay

The Introduction

The Body

The Conclusion

Examining an Effective Essay

Examining the Process of Writing an Essay

Prewriting: Generating Ideas and Identifying a Manageable Focus

Developing an Effective Thesis

Composing

Creating an Effective Introduction and Conclusion

Introduction, Conclusion, Understanding the Relationship between Topic Sentences and the Thesis, Developing a Solid First Draft

Revising

Re-assessing, Revising for Unity, Revising for Coherence, Revising for Effective Language, Seeking Help from an Objective Reader, Redrafting, Editing: Eliminating Errors

Looking Again at the Final Draft

Recap Developing an Essay

Chapter 15 Examining Types of Essays

Overview: Understanding How to Use the Modes to Develop Essays

The Relationship between Your Purpose and the Modes

Using Narration to Develop an Essay

Examining a Narrative Essay

Using Description to Develop an Essay

Examining a Descriptive Essay

Using Example to Develop an Essay

Examining an Example Essay

Using Process to Develop an Essay

Examining a Process Essay

Using Definition to Develop an Essay

Examining a Definition Essay

Using Comparison and Contrast to Develop an Essay

Examining a Comparison and Contrast Essay

Using Cause and Effect to Develop an Essay

Examining a Cause and Effect Essay

Using Division and Classification to Develop an Essay

Examining a Division and Classification Essay

Writing an Argument Essay

Examining an Argument Essay

Recap Examining Types of Essays

Chapter 16 Adjusting Your Process: Timed Writing and Summaries

Overview: Understanding How to Deal with the Pressure of Timed Writing

Answering an Essay Question Effectively

Preparation

Active Reading • Effective Note-Taking

Anticipation

Rehearsal

Drawing Up a Practice Question • Developing a Sample Essay Answer

Completing a Writing Assessment Effectively

Understanding the Five-Paragraph Essay

Examining a Sample Writing Assessment

Writing an Effective Summary

Examining the Summarizing Process of Preparing a Summary

Quick Study: Student Example

Recap Adjusting Your Process: Timed Writing and Summaries

Portfolio 3

PART 4 Developing Sentence Sense

Chapter 17 The Sentence

Overview: Understanding Sentence Basics

Understanding Verbs

Recognizing Subjects

Quick Study: Student Example

Chapter Quick Check: Sentence Basics

Summary Exercise: Sentence Basics

Recap The Sentence

Chapter 18 Fragments

Overview: Recognizing and Writing Complete Sentences

Correcting Fragments with Missing Subjects or Verbs

Correcting Phrase Fragments

Correcting Subordinate Clause Fragments

Correcting Appositive Fragments

Quick Study: Student Example

Chapter Quick Check: Fragments

Summary Exercise: Fragments

Recap Fragments

Chapter 19 Subordination and Coordination

Overview: Combining Clauses for Sentence Diversity

Using Subordination

Using Coordination

Achieving Coordination by Using Coordinating Conjunctions

Achieving Coordination by Using Semicolons

Quick Study: Student Example

Chapter Quick Check: Subordination and Coordination

Summary Exercise: Subordination and Coordination

Recap Subordination and Coordination

Chapter 20 Comma Splices and Run-on Sentences

Overview: Understanding Comma Splices and Run-on Sentences

Identifying Comma Splices and Run-on Sentences

Correcting Comma Splices and Run-ons by Using Coordinating Conjunctions

Correcting Comma Splices and Run-ons by Using Subordinating Conjunctions

Correcting Comma Splices and Run-ons by Using Semicolons

Correcting Comma Splices and Run-ons by Using Periods

Quick Study: Student Example

Chapter Quick Check: Comma Splices and Run-on Sentences

Summary Exercise: Comma Splices and Run-on Sentences

Recap Comma Splices and Run-on Sentences

Portfolio 4

PART 5 Understanding Subjects and Verbs

Chapter 21 Subject—Verb Agreement

Overview: Understanding Subject—Verb Agreement

Avoiding Agreement Errors When the Subject Follows the Verb

Avoiding Agreement Errors When Words Come between the Subject and Verb

Avoiding Agreement Errors with Indefinite Pronouns

Avoiding Agreement Errors from Other Causes

When the Subject Is Compound

When the Subject Is a Collective Noun or Is Introduced by a Cue Word

When The Subject Is a Singular Word Ending in -s, a Word Referring to an Amount, or a Word That Has the Same Singular and Plural Form

Quick Study: Student Example

Chapter Quick Check: Mastering Subject—Verb Agreement

Summary Exercise: Mastering Subject—Verb Agreement

Recap Subject—Verb Agreement

Chapter 22 Basic Tenses for Regular Verbs

Overview: Understanding Tense

Using the Simple Present, Simple Future, and Simple Past Tenses

Using the Perfect Tenses

Quick Study: Student Example 353

Chapter Quick Check: Working with Basic Verb Tenses

Summary Exercise: Working with Basic Verb Tenses

Recap Basic Tenses for Regular Verbs

Chapter 23 Irregular Verbs and Frequently Confused Verbs

Overview: Understanding Irregular Verbs and Other Verb Problems

Identifying Irregular Verbs

Working with Forms of To Be

Choosing between Can and Could and between Will and Would

Quick Study: Student Example

Chapter Quick Check: Eliminating Problems with Irregular Verbs and Can and Could and Will and Would

Summary Exercise: Eliminating Problems with Irregular Verbs and Can and Could and Will and Would

Recap Irregular Verbs and Frequently Confused Verbs

Chapter 24 Passive Voice, Additional Tenses, and Maintaining Consistency in Tense

Overview: Understanding Additional Elements of Verb Use

Forming the Passive and Active Voice

Using the Progressive and Perfect Progressive Tenses

The Progressive Tenses

The Perfect Progressive Tenses

Maintaining Consistency in Tense

Quick Study: Student Example

Chapter Quick Check: Mastering Voice, Progressive and Perfect Progressive Tenses, and Consistency in Verb Tense

Summary Exercise: Mastering Voice, Progressive and Perfect Progressive Tenses, and Consistency in Verb Tense

Recap Passive Voice, Additional Tenses, and Maintaining Consistency in Tense

Portfolio 5

PART 6 Keeping Your Writing Correct

Chapter 25 Nouns: Working Effectively with Words That Name

Overview: Understanding Nouns

Reviewing the Function and Form of Nouns

Considering Singular Nouns Ending in -s, Collective Nouns, and Cue Words

Chapter Quick Check: Working with Nouns

Quick Study: Student Example

Summary Exercise: Working with Nouns

Recap Nouns: Working Effectively with Words That Name

Chapter 26 Pronouns: Understanding Case, Clear Pronoun—Antecedent Agreement, and Nonsexist Pronoun Usage

Overview: Choosing the Correct Pronoun

Examining Pronoun Types

Understanding and Applying Pronoun Case

Maintaining Agreement in Number

Maintaining Agreement with Indefinite Pronouns

Maintaining Agreement with Demonstrative and Reflexive or Intensive Pronouns

Maintaining Agreement with That, Who, and Which Clauses

Keeping the Relationship between Pronoun and Antecedent Clear

Avoiding Problems with Gender in Pronoun—Antecedent Agreement

Quick Study: Student Example

Chapter Quick Check: Working with Pronouns

Summary Exercise: Working with Pronouns

Recap Pronouns: Understanding Case, Clear Pronoun—Antecedent Agreement, and Nonsexist Pronoun Usage

Chapter 27 Adjectives, Adverbs, and Other Modifiers: Using Describing and Modifying Words Effectively

Overview: Understanding the Roles of Adjectives and Adverbs

Understanding Adjectives and Adverbs

Creating Comparative and Superlative Forms of Adjectives and Adverbs

Working with Confusing Pairs of Adjectives and Adverbs

Avoiding Dangling and Misplaced Modifiers

Avoiding Double Negatives

Quick Study: Student Example

Chapter Quick Check: Working with Adjectives and Adverbs

Summary Exercise: Working with Adjectives and Adverbs

Recap Adjectives, Adverbs, and Other Modifiers: Using Describing and Modifying Words Effectively

Chapter 28 Parallelism: Presenting Related Items in a Similar Form

Overview: Balancing Ideas in Your Writing

Maintaining Parallelism with Words in a Series

Maintaining Parallelism with Phrases

Maintaining Parallelism When Using Correlative Conjunctions

Quick Study: Student Example

Chapter Quick Check: Maintaining Parallelism

Summary Exercise: Maintaining Parallelism

Recap Parallelism Presenting Related Items in a Similar Form

Chapter 29 Spelling: Focusing on Correctness

Overview: Understanding the Importance of Correct Spelling

Basic Rules for Forming Plurals

Basic Rules for Prefixes and Suffixes

The Basic Rule for ie or ei

Basic Rules for -sede, -ceed, and -cede, and Other Endings That Sound Alike

Dealing with Commonly Confused Words

Learning the Most Commonly Misspelled Words

Quick Study: Student Example

Chapter Quick Check: Spelling Skills

Summary Exercise: Spelling Skills

Recap Spelling: Focusing on Correctness

Chapter 30 Commas

Overview: Understanding Comma Use

Using a Comma between Clauses Connected by Conjunctions

Using Commas to Separate Items in a Series

Using a Comma to Set Off Introductory Material

Using Commas to Set Off Elements That Interrupt Sentence Flow

Using Commas to Set Off Direct Quotations

Recognizing Other Situations in Which Commas Are Needed

Quick Study: Student Example

Chapter Quick Check: Comma Use

Summary Exercise: Comma Use

Recap Commas

Chapter 31 Other Punctuation and Capitalization

Overview: Maintaining Correctness and Clarity through Punctuation and Capitalization

Using Periods, Question Marks, and Exclamation Points

Using Quotation Marks

Using Apostrophes

Using Other Marks of Punctuation

Colons

Semicolons

Parentheses and Dashes

Understanding Capitalization

Quick Study: Student Example

Chapter Quick Check: Punctuation and Capitalization

Summary Exercise: Punctuation and Capitalization

Recap Other Punctuation and Capitalization

Portfolio 6

PART 7 Connecting: Responding to Reading

Overview: Responding to Reading

Taking Notes

Active Reading Strategies

Active Reading Illustrated

5: a.m.: Writing as Ritual Judith Ortiz Cofer

Fish Cheeks Amy Tan

Dear Satu: Letters Tell the Story of Our Lives Rey de la Cruz

Nightwatch Paul Fletcher

Back, but Not Home Maria Muniz

Words, Good or Bad, Can Echo through a Lifetime Bob Greene

Deceit Gary Soto

Learning English as a Second Language Kimmom Pech (student)

Pride Stephanie Jezak (student)

Exposed Toes Diane Riva (student)

Childhood–Then and Now Jane Patenaude (student)

Fear Not Greg Andree (student)

Nontraditional Jobs Jennifer Mcelroy (student)

R-E-S-P-E-C-T Josh Trepanier (student)

Home Schooling Lori Ann Moyer (student)

Appendix Tips for ESL Writers

Rhetorical Index

Credits

Index