Evaluation of an English Grammar Handbook The Writer’s Brief Handbook Fifth edition By Alfred Rosa and Paul Eschholz

The Purpose and Theoretical Orientation O For college writers O Presecriptive+Descriptive “If offers clear definitions of important terms and concepts as well as helpful explanations of the rules and principles underlying effective written English.” O “We believe The Writer’s Brief Handbook is the best concise yet comprehensive reference…”- Appropriate

The Purpose and Theoretical Orientation O The book introduces some advice on avoiding bias in writing O Bountiful and carefully chosen writing examples for students

O Some of additional important features O ① user-friendly, multifaceted access system -tabbed dividers, complete chapter outlines, a color-coded, fold-out menu at the back ② writing process orientation -covers all stages of the writing process in depth with visual graphics for students The Purpose and Theoretical Orientation

O ③ more students and professional writing examples than any other handbook ④ computer tips and checklists-help present helpful reminders for students while writing and conducting research... The Purpose and Theoretical Orientation

Handling Usage Issues O How does the book handle the changing nature of English? -bountiful writing samples -extensive internet source ( -a separate publication, Exercise Book for The Writer’s Brief Handbook

O American English - Dictionaries and Thesauruses The New American Webster Handy College Dictionary, The Oxford American Desk Dictionary and Thesaurus, Merriam Webster College Dictionary O Document Design- different formats and formality levels How does the handbook handle variation?

O Latest MLA, APA, and Chicago Manual Documentation and Manuscript Format Guidelines- extensive up-to-date models. Basic formatting information for academic manuscripts is provided with sample student research papers for each style- style differences

Addressing the special needs of non-native speakers of English O ESL Basics tab O Verbs/Nouns, quantifiers and articles/Adjectives and adverbs/Prepositions and prepositional phrases/Parts of sentences/Special problems/Confusing words and phrases O Familiar terminology

Coverage and coverage adequacy O Coverage- good -color coded themes -very organized and user friendly -detailed explanation and graphics -great writing samples and explanation

Well handled parts O Complete writing samples O Explanations with the writing sample (page number) O Special kinds of writing-Business letter, resume, checklists for academic writing

Weak part O ESL - Very brief

Physical Format O Easy to use, simply designed. Color coded tabs O Very well organized (especially Detailed Contents) O Index and table of contents exists. Easy to use O Tabbed sections (color coded)- very convenient

O Clear explanation- brief definitions and plenty and ample examples O No pocket manual O Folded manual- very detailed and long Physical Format

Recommendation O Very helpful grammar book -Plenty examples and details -Wide range of themes but well organized -Tabs are very convenient