Grammar Girl Presents the Ultimate Writing Guide for Students

"Good writing skills are a must in any professional career, and there's no secret to being a good writer: Learn the tools of English, and practice. And read, of course. A lot. Students can use a hand learning the basics—and the trickier points—of language, and that's where three new books come in. Mignon Fogarty, better known as 'Grammar Girl' . . . wrote her three latest books just for students, to help them learn new words, navigate tricky meanings, and put them all together into clear, coherent English. 101 Words Every High School Graduate Needs to Know and 101 Misused Words You'll Never Confuse Again are short, handy word guides . . . The Ultimate Writing Guide for Students is a much meatier reference, going beyond vocabulary into grammar and the structure of writing. But it's not a dry, boring reference. From its bright orange theme color to its tips sprinkled throughout to its 'Grammar Schmammar' intro, this guide is both informative and user-friendly. The book starts with the basics—parts of speech—then moves on to sentences, punctuation and tips on common pitfalls. It ends with a great pep-talk chapter that offers tips and examples on how to clarify and streamline writing, getting over writer's block, and editing and proofing your work. It's all done in a light, friendly style with copious examples of what to do, and focuses much more on doing than on not-doing. The main message [is]: You can write; here are the tools."—Lisa McLendon, The News & Observer (Raleigh)