From the back cover: 

"What would happen if writing were taught without all the gobbledygook language teachers and textbooks use?  What if words and phrases like predicate modifier, subordinating conjunction, conjunctive adverb, relative clause, and pronoun antecedent were banished from instruction?

What if writers didn’t have to wonder if they were writing an expository, narrative, persuasive or descriptive paragraph or essay?  What if fuzzy definitions and rules like “A sentence is a group of words expressing a complete thought,”  “Every paragraph must have at least three sentences and one of them must be a topic sentence,” and “Never start a sentence with because,” were deleted and replaced with simple language describing logical action?"

Writing textbooks often confuse students with unfamiliar terminology, illogical definitions, and awkward labeling. Students struggle to understand what is meant when a sentence is defined as "a group of words expressing a complete thought." What exactly is a "complete thought"? They cannot see the difference between an expository paragraph and a descriptive paragraph, and they are sorely disillusioned when they discover sentences that are only one word, paragraphs without topic sentences, and essays that persuade, describe, and explain all at the same time. Textbooks set rules and then break the rules themselves.

The Second Chance Writing Book eliminates all those writing rules that defy logic. Both a textbook and a workbook, it breaks writing into small packages with suggestions for combining words into sentences, sentences into paragraphs, and paragraphs into essays. These strategies are easy to perform, and they make perfect sense. Dozens of worksheets with answer keys are provided as well as writing assignments and the rare opportunity to have some papers critiqued over the web by the author herself. In the end, students will be writing complete, polished essays.

Writing students can use this workbook as an independent study, or they can use it in a group, enlisting peers and teachers as helpers.  Student workbook $14.95 plus $3.00 shipping

Table of Contents

Build It!
The Sentence
The Paragraph
The Essay

Decorate It!
Revision: Word Choice, 
Redundancy, Deadwood, Sensory Details

Polish It!
Common errors to avoid:
Grammar
Punctuation
Capitalization
Spelling
Word Usage

Answer Keys with Explanations

To purchase this book instantly, click on the PayPal button below

If you wish to purchase The Second Chance Writing Book other than through PayPal, call 503-206-8853 or send check or purchase order to AYWN Publications, 1500 N.E. 15th Ave., #330, Portland, OR 97232.  An easy order form is accessible by clicking Book Ordering.

Back