Excerpts

To The Teacher This text is designed for the adult learner who needs a review of grammar and writing skills in order to be able to write clearly and concisely on the job. Its format provides for diagnosis, instruction, and practice in 15 self-paced modules that can be adapted to both individualized and classroom methods. There are 12 grammar modules, a module on paragraph writing, a module on report writing, and a module on business letter writing. Each module consists of a statement of behavioral objectives followed by instruction and practice in small segments with immediate feedback. The examples used throughout are geared to be meaningful and relevant, particularly for technical students. The fundamental principles applied are as follows: Test-find out what the students already know. Teach-explain to them the concepts they need to know. Retest-check to see that they have mastered the objectives. (If not, repeat the procedure.) The underlying philosophy is that writing skills are built inductively; that is, students learn and practice correct grammar and usage first, then go on to build from the sentence to the paragraph to the report to the business letter. The materials included in the Instructor's Manual are vital to an effective utilization ofWriting Skills for Technical Students.The manual contains diagnostic tests for the grammar units so that you can pretest and exempt students from modules they can already apply. Also included in the manual are four module tests and two editing tests for each grammar module, final grammar tests, applied writing exercises, and extra worksheets for practice when the student does not master the instructional material. For use with the paragraph, report, and business writing modules, the Instructor's Manual includes checklists to be used by both students and instructors to proofread and evaluate writing assignments and to note the kinds of errors made. We believe the organization and modular format of this text will provide instructors with a flexible and effective approach to teaching students how to write well. To The Student This book presents a self-paced, modularized program to build your skills in grammar and writing. It is divided into two sections. Section One deals with the basic points of grammar and the writing of paragraphs. Section Two covers additional areas in the refinement of grammar plus the writing of reports and business communications. Here's how to use the book.For each grammar module that your instructor requires you to complete, first read the objectives and study the instructional materials. Follow the directions for each Activity. At the end of each Activity, you are directed to check your responses in the Feedback section at the end of the module. You will also be directed how to proceed after completing the Activity. When you have completed the module, ask your instructor for Test A. If you pass Test A, you will be given an Applied Writing exercise. If you do not pass, your instructor will review your errors, give you a worksheet for extra practice if necessary, and then give you Test B. After you pass a test on each module, be sure to note it on your Student Progress Record (see next page). The Paragraph Module progresses from the topic sentence to the outline to the writing of four important types of paragraphs. Follow the procedures indicated, checking your work with your instructor when required. After completing Section One, you will proceed in the same manner through Section Two. Many students have been helped by the materials and methods in this book. We hope you will find it both useful and enjoyable. Excerpted from Writing Skills for Technical Students All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.