Odyssey:Paragraph to Essay

Relax. You will enjoy this journey.
• Do you believe there's a writer within you? Authors Bill Kelly and Deb Lawton do, and they wrote Odyssey to take readers on a writing voyage-a journey-of self-expression (see the “Discovering Connections” sections) and confidence building to help them find the writer within.
• Have you ever had a “conversation” with your textbook author? With Odyssey, you will get the same conversational, non-intimidating tone (see the “Q & A” sections) that you would with your instructor or a tutor.
• Would you like to be able to do exercises based on your ability and progress to more challenging work? The “Comprehension and Practice” and “Challenge” exercises, by design, enable readers to start off within their capabilities, grasp the material, and move to more challenging exercises. This exercise structure lays a solid foundation for good writing.
Here's why you will want this new edition:
• The exercises have been refreshed for stronger, more interesting writing prompts.
• Many of the readings have been updated to reflect current, more relevant topics.
• The newly added portfolio feature will help readers to improve as writers by encouraging them to think critically about their writing as well as others' writings, assist readers with timed essay writing, and strengthen the connection of reading to writing for deeper reading understanding and more clarity in writing.

www.mywritinglab.com
MyWritingLab is an online writing practice system with better practice to make better writers for college and life. MyWritingLab offers these success-driven features:• Comprehensive Exercises Program. The exercises in MyWritingLab provide practice with grammar, paragraph development, essay development, and research.
• Diagnostic tests. A diagnostic pre-test assesses students' understanding of grammar and identifies the areas in need of more attention.
• Individual study plan. Based on the results of the diagnostic and the work done in MyWritingLab, the students receive Study Plan tailored to their needs.
• Valuable Additional Resources. Other resources for students in MyWritingLab include access to the Pearson's tutoring service powered by SMARTHINKING, the Study Skills Website, and the Research Navigator. If your copy of Odyssey did not come with a MyWritingLab student access code, return it for a new book or go to www.mywritinglab.com to purchase an access code.
Find your resources for the course at www.mypearsonstore.com

List of contents

Preface   
 
About the Authors   
 
 
Part 1
 
Starting Out   
 
 
Chapter 1   Ensuring Success in Writing   
 
Overview: Understanding the Importance of Good Writing Skills   
 
Recognizing the Stages of the Writing Process   
 
Understanding the Dynamics of Writing   
 
Focusing on the Reader   
 
Examining the Purpose behind Your Writing   
 
Understanding the Important Relationship between Writing and Reading   
 
    RECAP Ensuring Success in Writing   
 
 
Chapter 2   Generating Ideas through Prewriting   
 
Overview: Seeing Prewriting as a Way to Explore Ideas   
 
Understanding Prewriting   
 
Freewriting   
 
Brainstorming   
 
Clustering   
 
Branching   
 
Idea Mapping   
 
Maintaining a Journal   
 
    RECAP Generating Ideas through Prewriting   
 
 
Chapter 3   Composing: Creating a Draft   
 
Overview: Understanding Composing   
 
Recognizing the Structure of a Paragraph   
 
Identifying an Effective Topic   
 
Writing a Clear, Specific Topic Sentence   
 
Providing the Best Support for the Topic Sentence   
 
Deciding on the Most Effective Arrangement   
 
Making Your Material Reader Centered   
 
Using a Reader Evaluation Checklist   
 
Developing a Complete Draft   
 
    RECAP Composing: Creating a Draft   
 
 
Chapter 4   Refining and Polishing Your Draft   
 
Overview: Understanding the Revising Stage   
 
Reassessing: Reseeing Your Work   
 
Maintaining Unity  
 
Providing Coherence  
 
Transition   • Organizing Sentences Effectively 
 
Choosing Effective Language  
 
Keeping Your Writing Specific   • Keeping Your Writing Concise 
 
Getting Feedback from an Objective Reader  
 
Redrafting   
 
Acknowledging Your Sources   
 
 MLA Format 
 
 APA Format 
 
Editing   
 
Developing a Personal Proofreading System  
 
Using Computer Tools to Your Advantage  
 
Examining a Revised Draft   
 
RECAP Refining and Polishing Your Draft   
 
portfolio 1 
 
 
Part 2
 
Using the Patterns of Paragraph Development   
 
Chapter 5   Narration   
 
Overview: Understanding the Modes, Purposes, and Importance of Telling Your Story   
 
Writing a Clear Topic Sentence That Establishes a Context   
 
Relying on Chronological Order   
 
Choosing the Most Effective Point of View   
 
 Providing a Thorough Presentation   
 
Providing Transition for Narrative Paragraphs  
 
    RECAP Narration   
 
 
Chapter 6   Description    
 
Overview: Creating a Picture in Words   
 
Previewing the Focus of Description through the Topic Sentence   
 
Using Sensory Details   
 
Relying on Objective and Subjective Description   
 
Using Spatial Order   
 
Providing Transition for Description Paragraphs  
 
    RECAP Description   
 
       
Chapter 7   Example   
 
Overview: Illustrating Your Point   
 
Providing a Topic Sentence That States the Point You Will Illustrate   
 
Providing Specific Examples   
 
Ensuring That Your Examples Are Relevant   
 
Providing an Effective Presentation   
 
Providing Transition for Example Paragraphs  
 
    RECAP Example   
 
 
Chapter 8   Process   
 
Overview: Explaining How It Happens or How to Do It   
 
Including a Topic Sentence That Clearly States the Process   
 
Using the Imperative Mood: You   
 
Dividing the Process into Simple, Logical Steps   
 
Relying on Linear Order   
 
Providing Transition for Process Paragraphs  
 
    RECAP Process   
 
 
Chapter 9   Definition   
 
Overview: Making Meaning Crystal Clear   
 
Providing a Topic Sentence That Highlights the Term to Be Defined   
 
Understanding the Pattern of an Effective Definition   
 
Recognizing the Full Effect of the Term Defined   
 
Enhancing Definition through Synonyms, Negation, and Etymology   
 
Providing Transition for Definition Paragraphs  
 
    RECAP Definition   
 
 
Chapter 10   Comparison and Contrast   
 
Overview: Expressing Similarities and Differences   
 
Providing a Topic Sentence That Specifies Both Subjects and Indicates the Focus   
 
Establishing Your Basis for Comparison   
 
Providing a Thorough and Specific Presentation   
 
Arranging Your Ideas Effectively   
 
Providing Transition for Comparison and Contrast Paragraphs  
 
    RECAP Comparison and Contrast   
 
 
Chapter 11   Cause and Effect   
 
Overview: Explaining Reasons and Consequences   
 
Providing a Topic Sentence That Focuses on Cause and Effect   
 
Distinguishing between Direct and Related Causes and Effects   
 
Avoiding Oversimplification of Causes and Effects   
 
Providing an Effective Arrangement   
 
Providing Transition for Cause and Effect Paragraphs  
 
    RECAP Cause and Effect   
 
 
Chapter 12   Division and Classification   
 
Overview: Analyzing the Whole in Terms of the Parts   
 
Specifying Scope and Emphasis through a Topic Sentence   
 
Establishing a Logical Method of Analysis   
 
Maintaining a Consistent Presentation   
 
Using Distinct and Complete Groupings   
 
Providing Transition for Division and Classification Paragraphs  
 
    RECAP Division and Classification   
 
 
Chapter 13   Argument   
 
Overview: Understanding Persuasion   
 
Providing a Topic Sentence That Expresses a Clear Stance on the Issue   
 
Developing Sufficient Support through Sound Reasons   
 
Using a Reasonable, Convincing Tone   
 
Using Sound Logic   
 
Arranging Your Support in Emphatic Order   
 
Providing Transition for Argument Paragraphs  
 
    RECAP Argument   
 
 
Portfolio 2 
 
Part 3
 
Moving On to the Essay   
 
Chapter 14   Developing an Essay    
 
Overview: Understanding the Essay   
 
Understanding the Structure of an Essay   
 
The Introduction  
 
The Body  
 
The Conclusion  
 
Examining an Effective Essay   
 
Examining the Process of Writing an Essay   
 
Prewriting: Generating Ideas and Identifying a Manageable Focus  
 
Developing an Effective Thesis  
 
Composing  
 
Creating an Effective Introduction and Conclusion  
 
Introduction   • Conclusion   • Understanding the Relationship between Topic Sentences and the Thesis   • Developing a Solid First Draft   
 
Revising  
 
Reassessing   • Revising for Unity   • Revising for Coherence   • Revising for Effective Language   • Seeking Help from an Objective Reader   •  Redrafting   •  Editing: Eliminating Errors 
 
Looking Again at the Final Draft   
 
    RECAP Developing an Essay   
 
 
Chapter 15   Examining Types of Essays   
 
Overview: Understanding How to Use the Modes to Develop Essays   
 
The Relationship between Your Purpose and the Modes   
 
Using Narration to Develop an Essay   
 
Examining a Narrative Essay  
 
Using Description to Develop an Essay   
 
Examining a Descriptive Essay  
 
Using Example to Develop an Essay   
 
Examining an Example Essay  
 
Using Process to Develop an Essay   
 
Examining a Process Essay  
 
Using Definition to Develop an Essay   
 
Examining a Definition Essay  
 
Using Comparison and Contrast to Develop an Essay   
 
Examining a Comparison and Contrast Essay  
 
Using Cause and Effect to Develop an Essay   
 
Examining a Cause and Effect Essay  
 
Using Division and Classification to Develop an Essay   
 
Examining a Division and Classification Essay  
 
Writing an Argument Essay   
 
Examining an Argument Essay  
 
    RECAP Examining Types of Essays   
 
 
Chapter 16   Adjusting Your Process: Timed Writing and Summaries   
 
Overview: Understanding How to Deal with the Pressure of Timed Writing   
 
Answering an Essay Question Effectively   
 
Preparation                                                        
 
Active Reading   •  Effective Note-Taking  
 
Anticipation  
 
Rehearsal  
 
Drawing Up a Practice Question   • Developing a Sample Essay Answer 
 
Completing a Writing Assessment Effectively  
 
Understanding the Five-Paragraph Essay  
 
Examining a Sample Writing Assessment  
 
Writing an Effective Summary  
 
Examining the Summarizing Process of Preparing a Summary  
 
Quick Study: Student Example   
 
    RECAP Adjusting Your Process: Timed Writing and Summaries   
 
 
Portfolio 3 
 
Part 4
 
Developing Sentence Sense   
 
 
Chapter 17   The Sentence   
 
Overview: Understanding Sentence Basics   
 
Understanding Verbs   
 
Recognizing Subjects   
 
Quick Study: Student Example   
 
Chapter Quick Check: Sentence Basics   
 
Summary Exercise: Sentence Basics   
 
    RECAP The Sentence
 
 
Chapter 18   Fragments   
 
Overview: Recognizing and Writing Complete Sentences   
 
Correcting Fragments with Missing Subjects or Verbs   
 
Correcting Phrase Fragments   
 
Correcting Subordinate Clause Fragments   
 
Correcting Appositive Fragments   
 
Quick Study: Student Example   
 
Chapter Quick Check: Fragments   
 
Summary Exercise: Fragments   
 
    RECAP Fragments   
 
 
Chapter 19   Subordination and Coordination   
 
Overview: Combining Clauses for Sentence Diversity   
 
Using Subordination   
 
Using Coordination   
 
Achieving Coordination by Using Coordinating Conjunctions  
 
Achieving Coordination by Using Semicolons  
 
Quick Study: Student Example   
 
Chapter Quick Check: Subordination and Coordination   
 
Summary Exercise: Subordination and Coordination   
 
    RECAP Subordination and Coordination   
 
 
Chapter 20   Comma Splices and Run-on Sentences   
 
Overview: Understanding Comma Splices and Run-on Sentences   
 
Identifying Comma Splices and Run-on Sentences   
 
Correcting Comma Splices and Run-ons by Using Coordinating Conjunctions   
 
Correcting Comma Splices and Run-ons by Using Subordinating Conjunctions   
 
Correcting Comma Splices and Run-ons by Using Semicolons   
 
Correcting Comma Splices and Run-ons by Using Periods   
 
Quick Study: Student Example   
 
Chapter Quick Check: Comma Splices and Run-on Sentences   
 
Summary Exercise: Comma Splices and Run-on Sentences   
 
    RECAP Comma Splices and Run-on Sentences   
 
 
Portfolio 4 
 
Part 5
 
Understanding Subjects and Verbs   
 
Chapter 21   Subject-Verb Agreement    
 
Overview: Understanding Subject-Verb Agreement   
 
Avoiding Agreement Errors When the Subject Follows the Verb   
 
Avoiding Agreement Errors When Words Come between the Subject and Verb   
 
Avoiding Agreement Errors with Indefinite Pronouns   
 
Avoiding Agreement Errors from Other Causes   
 
When the Subject Is Compound  
 
When the Subject Is a Collective Noun or Is Introduced by a Cue Word  
 
When The Subject Is a Singular Word Ending in -s, a Word Referring to an Amount, or a Word That Has the Same Singular and Plural Form  
 
Quick Study: Student Example   
 
Chapter Quick Check: Mastering Subject-Verb Agreement   
 
Summary Exercise: Mastering Subject-Verb Agreement   
 
    RECAP Subject-Verb Agreement   
 
 
Chapter 22   Basic Tenses for Regular Verbs   
 
Overview: Understanding Tense   
 
Using the Simple Present, Simple Future, and Simple Past Tenses   
 
Using the Perfect Tenses   
 
Quick Study: Student Example    353
 
Chapter Quick Check: Working with Basic Verb Tenses   
 
Summary Exercise: Working with Basic Verb Tenses   
 
    RECAP Basic Tenses for Regular Verbs   
 
 
Chapter 23   Irregular Verbs and Frequently Confused Verbs   
 
Overview: Understanding Irregular Verbs and Other Verb Problems   
 
Identifying Irregular Verbs   
 
Working with Forms of To Be   
 
Choosing between Can and Could and between Will and Would   
 
Quick Study: Student Example   
 
Chapter Quick Check: Eliminating Problems with Irregular Verbs and Can and Could and Will and Would   
 
Summary Exercise: Eliminating Problems with Irregular Verbs and Can and Could and Will and Would   
 
    RECAP Irregular Verbs and Frequently Confused Verbs   
 
 
Chapter 24   Passive Voice, Additional Tenses, and Maintaining Consistency in Tense   
 
Overview: Understanding Additional Elements of Verb Use   
 
Forming the Passive and Active Voice   
 
Using the Progressive and Perfect Progressive Tenses   
 
The Progressive Tenses  
 
The Perfect Progressive Tenses  
 
Maintaining Consistency in Tense   
 
Quick Study: Student Example   
 
Chapter Quick Check: Mastering Voice, Progressive and Perfect Progressive Tenses, and Consistency in Verb Tense    
 
Summary Exercise: Mastering Voice, Progressive and Perfect Progressive Tenses, and Consistency in Verb Tense   
 
    RECAP Passive Voice, Additional Tenses, and Maintaining Consistency in Tense   
 
 
Portfolio 5 
 
Part 6
 
Keeping Your Writing Correct   
 
 
Chapter 25   Nouns: Working Effectively with Words That Name   
 
Overview: Understanding Nouns   
 
Reviewing the Function and Form of Nouns   
 
Considering Singular Nouns Ending in -s, Collective Nouns, and Cue Words   
 
Chapter Quick Check: Working with Nouns   
 
Quick Study: Student Example   
 
Summary Exercise: Working with Nouns   
 
    RECAP Nouns: Working Effectively with Words That Name   
 
 
Chapter 26   Pronouns: Understanding Case, Clear Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement, and Nonsexist Pronoun Usage   
 
Overview: Choosing the Correct Pronoun   
 
Examining Pronoun Types   
 
Understanding and Applying Pronoun Case   
 
Maintaining Agreement in Number   
 
Maintaining Agreement with Indefinite Pronouns   
 
Maintaining Agreement with Demonstrative and Reflexive or Intensive Pronouns   
 
Maintaining Agreement with That, Who, and Which Clauses   
 
Keeping the Relationship between Pronoun and Antecedent Clear   
 
Avoiding Problems with Gender in Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement   
 
Quick Study: Student Example   
 
Chapter Quick Check: Working with Pronouns   
 
Summary Exercise: Working with Pronouns   
 
    RECAP Pronouns: Understanding Case, Clear Pronoun-Antecedent
 
               Agreement, and Nonsexist Pronoun Usage   
 
 
Chapter 27   Adjectives, Adverbs, and Other Modifiers: Using Describing and Modifying Words Effectively   
 
Overview: Understanding the Roles of Adjectives and Adverbs   
 
Understanding Adjectives and Adverbs   
 
Creating Comparative and Superlative Forms of Adjectives and Adverbs   
 
Working with Confusing Pairs of Adjectives and Adverbs   
 
Avoiding Dangling and Misplaced Modifiers   
 
Avoiding Double Negatives   
 
Quick Study: Student Example   
 
Chapter Quick Check: Working with Adjectives and Adverbs   
 
Summary Exercise: Working with Adjectives and Adverbs   
 
    RECAP Adjectives, Adverbs, and Other Modifiers: Using Describing and
 
               Modifying Words Effectively   
 
 
Chapter 28   Parallelism: Presenting Related Items in a Similar Form   
 
Overview: Balancing Ideas in Your Writing   
 
Maintaining Parallelism with Words in a Series   
 
Maintaining Parallelism with Phrases   
 
Maintaining Parallelism When Using Correlative Conjunctions   
 
Quick Study: Student Example   
 
Chapter Quick Check: Maintaining Parallelism   
 
Summary Exercise: Maintaining Parallelism   
 
    RECAP Parallelism Presenting Related Items in a Similar Form   
 
 
Chapter 29   Spelling: Focusing on Correctness   
 
Overview: Understanding the Importance of Correct Spelling   
 
Basic Rules for Forming Plurals    
 
Basic Rules for Prefixes and Suffixes   
 
The Basic Rule for ie or ei   
 
Basic Rules for -sede, -ceed, and -cede, and Other Endings That Sound Alike   
 
Dealing with Commonly Confused Words   
 
Learning the Most Commonly Misspelled Words   
 
Quick Study: Student Example   
 
Chapter Quick Check: Spelling Skills   
 
Summary Exercise: Spelling Skills   
 
    RECAP Spelling: Focusing on Correctness   
 
 
Chapter 30  Commas   
 
Overview: Understanding Comma Use   
 
Using a Comma between Clauses Connected by Conjunctions   
 
Using Commas to Separate Items in a Series   
 
Using a Comma to Set Off Introductory Material   
 
Using Commas to Set Off Elements That Interrupt Sentence Flow   
 
Using Commas to Set Off Direct Quotations   
 
Recognizing Other Situations in Which Commas Are Needed   
 
Quick Study: Student Example   
 
Chapter Quick Check: Comma Use   
 
Summary Exercise: Comma Use   
 
    RECAP Commas   
 
 
Chapter 31   Other Punctuation and Capitalization   
 
Overview: Maintaining Correctness and Clarity through Punctuation and Capitalization   
 
Using Periods, Question Marks, and Exclamation Points   
 
Using Quotation Marks   
 
Using Apostrophes   
 
Using Other Marks of Punctuation   
 
Colons  
 
Semicolons  
 
Parentheses and Dashes  
 
Understanding Capitalization   
 
Quick Study: Student Example   
 
Chapter Quick Check: Punctuation and Capitalization   
 
...

Summary

Odysseyfocuses on helping students build paragraph and essay writing skills while treating the writing process as a voyage of self-discovery, confidence building, and competence building.
 
As with most traditional paragraph to essay writing books, Odyssey begins with a thorough overview of the writing process, introduces the various patterns of development, then demonstrates each pattern of development with various essay samples. Parts I - VI include a three-prompt portfolio feature while parts IV - VI focus on improving grammar and paragraph development. The book concludes with an anthology of readings that take students on a “reading odyssey,” where selections cross genres and professions.

Product details

• Authors: William J. Kelly, Deborah L. Lawton
• Publisher: Pearson Academic
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 01.01.2008
• EAN: 9780205598915
• ISBN: 978-0-205-59891-5
• No. of pages: 672
• Weight: 1340 g
• Series: Longman; Longman