Includes index.

Contents: First principles -- The Writing process: Preparation for writing -- Finding a topic -- Writing drafts -- Kinds of writing: Qualities of the good essay -- Concluding remarks on the essay -- Making argument: Making a good argument paper -- Arguments in various disciplines -- The Rhetoric of argument -- Arrangement of argument -- Logical fallacies -- Concluding remarks on argument -- Paragraphs: The Structure of paragraphs -- Unity and disunity in the paragraph and essay -- Transitions between paragraphs -- Length of paragraghs -- Concluding remarks on paragraphs -- Fundamental principle of sentences: Kinds of sentences -- Writing good sentences --Concluding remarks on sentences -- Avoiding wordiness -- Good diction: Principles of good diction -- Some lively problems in usage -- Figurative language: Similes and metaphors -- Other forms of figurative language -- Cliches -- Conclusion -- False rules and what is true about them: Common false rules -- Grammer and mechanics -- Appendix One: Avoiding discrimination: African Americans -- Native Americans -- Sexual preference -- Political correctness -- Appendix Two: Cliches.