Rules of thumb : a guide for writers / created by Jay Silverman, Elaine Hughes and Diana Roberts Wienbroer.

Includes index

Acknowledgments How to Use Rules of Thumb New to the Fifth Edition of Rules of Thumb Part One: Correctness A Word about Correctness Confusing Words One Word or Two? Spelling Capitalization Abbreviations and Numbers Apostrophes Consistent Pronouns Correct Pronouns Vague Pronouns Recognizing Complete Sentences Run-On Sentences and Sentence Fragments Commas Semicolons Colons Dashes and Parentheses Quotation Marks Underlines Shifting Verb Tenses Verb Agreement Word Endings: s and ed Tangled Sentences Part Two: Putting a Paper Together What to do When You're Stuck Addressing Your Audience Writing in Class Finding an Organzation for Your Essay Introductions Paragraphs-Long and Short Transitions Conclusions How to Make a Paper Longer(and When to Make it Shorter) How to Work on a Second Draft Proofreading Tips Format of College Papers Part Three: The Research Paper How to Start a Research Project Three Essential Research Skills Feature: When You Find Too Many or Too Few Sources Getting Information at the Library Getting Information Online Feature: Sizing Up a Website Writing the Research Paper Writing about Literature Plagirism (Cheating) Documentation: The MLA Style Documentation: The APA Style Documentation: The Chicago Style(Footnotes) Part Four: Growing as a Writer Keeping a Journal Adding Details Recognizing Cliches Eliminating Offensive Language Trimming Wordiness Using Strong Verbs Varying Your Sentences Finding Your Voice

Offers advice on the writing and research process, as well as specific guidance on punctuation, mechanics, usage, and a variety of common assignments.