New Zealand edition
Writing that Works: A guide for tertiary students is about good writing and how to produce it. The book is intended for all tertiary students - as well as those who are about to begin their tertiary education - and teachers of writing and other subjects. The text is written in a simple and engaging style.
The first chapter introduces the authors' theory of writing. Subsequent chapters systematically discuss the various processes that writing involves and how to achieve the appropriate style for a range of purposes. Formal reports, literature reviews, essays, expectations about assignments, and writing for digital media are among topics explored. The importance of understanding what readers expect to find in specific types of written text is emphasised, as is the need to reflect critically on your own writing.
Throughout, examples of writing by students on topical New Zealand subjects and of students' commentary on their own writing are used to illustrate important points.
Key themes include:
- Identifing your readers and assessing your purpose for writing;
- Making use of stylistic options for different purposes and types of written text;
- Analysing assignment topics and structuring convincing discussion and argument based on evidence;
- Projecting yourself as an authoritative writer, fully in control of your medium;
- Making your voice heard in an academic setting through your writing;
- Understanding and mastering some of the mechanics of writing in the English language.
