Thomas' Calculus Early Transcendentals (11th Edition) Review

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(More customer reviews)What a MESS!!! This is THE WORST textbook I have EVER seen on Calculus (or any other topic)! It should never be used to introduce students to the subject, because I guarantee all it will produce is frustration and confusion! There is little to no explanation on topics, some sections jump right into examples without any background for understanding the basis for the solutions, small little tidbits of important concepts are hidden away in text in obscure places, other less important stuff seems to take prominence in the text and ramble on and on, even the approach to exercises seems to be backward - material in the section and worked examples show a method of solution, but the first few sections of exercises ask you to solve the problem backward, and later on you find problems that would have been helpful in the beginning to get you familiarized with the concepts. The Solution Manual to the text isn't much help either. The only way I can accept this book as being worthy of print is to possibly think that it was written for Math instructors - people who already understand the subject and want to read something different - because THIS BOOK STINKS from a student's perspective. It is really, really, REALLY BAD!!! I like math, but I will never take another class if the textbook is by this author.

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This is the most comprehensive revision of Thomas' Calculus in 25 years. The new edition of Thomas is a return to what Thomas has always been: the book with the best exercises. For the 11th edition, the authors have added exercises cut in the 10th edition, as well as exercises and examples from the classic 5th and 6th editions.The book's theme is that Calculus is about thinking; one cannot memorize it all. The exercises develop this theme as a pivot point between the lecture in class, and the understanding that comes with applying the ideas of Calculus.In addition, the table of contents has been refined, introducing transcendentals in the first seven chapters. Many of the examples have been trimmed of distractions and rewritten with a clear focus on the main ideas. The authors have also excised extraneous information in general and have made the technology much more transparent.The ambition of Thomas 11e is to teach the ideas of Calculus so that students will be able to apply them in new and novel ways, first in the exercises but ultimately in their careers.Every effort has been made to insure that all content in the new edition reinforces thinking and encourages deep understanding of the material.

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Cascading Style Sheets: The Definitive Guide Review

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(More customer reviews)There were lots of great comments on this book on how wonderful it was. Based on those comments, I purchased the book at a local bookstore.
Using Dreamweaver as my design tool, I thought there might be a book where I can learn more about CSS. I already own a couple of good books, but they are light on CSS, and nothing is indexed. I was hoping this book was a 'reference' on every CSS property for CSS1 & CSS2 with a variety of examples. That is exactly what Eric Meyer's book fails to deliver.
For new authors, this book will get you started into the wondeful world of using style sheets - Eric delivers his examples with clear dictation in an editorial style. It's an excellent starting point with good examples and solid explainations on how CSS works.
If you are like me however, an experienced webguy, pass on this book. It does not have a complete list of EVERY CSS property, nor are the examples given robust. The book is written in editorial format, flowing from one topic to the next without really getting into the meat of CSS. It's as if Eric wanted to say something on everything, but in doing so, he limited is ability to offer in-depth explainations of each property and it's power/flexibility.
To sum up, yes, this book is a good tutorial, but NOT a definitive guide. Maybe Eric should of called it the CSS: Definitive Starting Guide To Get You Going. Next time, I'll actually take time to skim through the book at my local computer book store.
N.B. Are all these praises for this book from the author, publisher, or friends of the author to help sell the book? I have my suspicions because a lot of the comments sound 'canned'. Hopefully my review gets published to prove this is not the case.
EVR.

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Literary Nonfiction: Learning by Example Review

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(More customer reviews)This book is being used as a text for the online Creative Nonfiction course I am taking through National University. It is a good book and I really appreciate the notes made by Patsy Simms, the editor, at the bottom of each page. They are helping me to write my reading responses for the class.

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Literary Nonfiction: Learning by Example examines the principles and techniques of the genre by taking a close, analytical look at outstanding contemporary essays by fifteen highly accomplished writers. Featuring examples of memoir, profile, literary journalism, medical reporting, and travel writing, it includes selections by Madeleine Blais, Tim Cahill, James Conaway, Joan Didion, David Finkel, Jon Franklin, Tom Hallman, Jr., Walt Harrington, Tracy Kidder, Jane Kramer, John McPhee, Michael Paterniti, Mike Sager, Susan Sheehan, and Tom Wolfe. Each selection is carefully annotated to show students what makes it a good piece of writing and what technical and stylistic devices the author uses for effect. In addition to extensive analyses by editor Patsy Sims, the writers comment on their own work, emphasizing how important the skill of careful, critical reading is to learning how to write well. Each essay is preceded by an introduction that presents a specific aspect of the literary nonfiction writing craft, the writer's biographical information, and an explanation of how the selection was put together. Ideal for courses in creative writing and literary journalism, Literary Nonfiction: Learning by Example is also a helpful guide for all aspiring creative nonfiction writers.

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World Music: Traditions and Transformations Review

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(More customer reviews)This was a required book for a class that I took. I liked that all the terms weren't overwhelming as some texts can be. My teacher knows the author and seemed to have respect for him (obviously or she wouldn't have used the book!!) He described things well because he had actually studied all the music that he wrote about.
Great book even if you want a quick guide to world music.

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From cha cha chá to jeliya and Hindustani raga to hip-hop gamelan, this exciting new text takes students on a journey through diverse musical cultures and traditions of the world. With a clear and accessible presentation style and lively and engaging writing, it is an ideal introduction to world music for non-music and music majors alike.

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Data Structures and Algorithms in C++ Review

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(More customer reviews)This is one of the dozens of Data Structures and Algorithms books in the market and till now the worst I've ever seen. I have taken two DSA courses in my undergrad years, and now as a grad, I'm TAing that course.
The theoretical treatment of the book is superficial and too childish. Yet, there's too little practical value. They discuss the unnecessary linked list implementations of trees which is quite confusing for students. I am also amazed that they do not mention finding or removing an element in a BST. And, more importantly there's too little discussion of graphs.
I don't understand those professors trying to bog down students with useless details and complicated C++ codes. Rather, they should give the intuition and the theory behind the data structures and algorithms. Weiss' book is much better than this one. But, even that is obsessed with doing tricky things with C++.
Anyway, to sum up: This book is a garbage. Stay away unless it's required for the course you're taking in case you may need to do homeworks and such.

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* Provides a comprehensive introduction to data structures and algorithms, including their design, analysis, and implementation* Each data structure is presented using ADTs and their respective implementations* Helps provide an understanding of the wide spectrum of skills ranging from sound algorithm and data structure design to efficient implementation and coding of these designs in C++Wiley Higher Education

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Linux Command Line and Shell Scripting Bible Review

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(More customer reviews)I have been a linux enthusiast for 7 years, a system administrator for 4. This provides concise explanations with outstanding illustrations that provide a comprehensive list of switches for each of the commands discussed, I really wish there was an electronic copy available.....
This should be the first book you purchase when looking to become a command line ninja.

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There's a lot to be said for going back to basics. Not only does this Bible give you a quick refresher on the structure of open-source Linux software, it also shows you how to bypass the hefty graphical user interface on Linux systems and start interacting the fast and efficient way?with command lines and automated scripts. You'll learn how to manage files on the filesystem, start and stop programs, use databases, even do Web programming?without a GUI?with this one-stop resource.

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Realidades: Level 1: Student Edition (NATL) Review

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(More customer reviews)I ordered this book through Amazon because it was the best price and they offered the best selection of used books in this category. I received it faster than indicated and it was in even better condition than I expected. I ordered other books as well and the same holds true. I will definitely order again.
Lori

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Realidades ©2008
Level 1
Student Edition
Includes an introductory section called Para empezar, and nine thematic chapters.Upon completion of REALIDADES 1, students transition smoothly into REALIDADES 2.

Realidades is a standards-based Spanish curriculum that balances grammar and communication. The program offers technology designed to integrate language and culture to teach and motivate all students.

Middle School Spanish Middle school books specially written for the younger learner, REALIDADES A and B cover the same content per Tema as in REALIDADES 1, but photographs, realia, and activities have been adapted to accommodate the middle school learner. At the end of REALIDADES B, students are ready for a smooth transition into REALIDADES 2.

High School Spanish A standards-based high school curriculum that balances communications and grammar. Written to meet the needs of the diverse learners in today's classroom, REALIDADES uniquely integrates language, culture, and technology to teach and motivate all students. Students completing REALIDADES 3 will be well prepared for placement tests and upper-level study.

Features and Benefits

Language and culture woven togetherRealia, art, photographs, chants, rhymes, and trabalenguas are uniquely woven together in practice or activities throughout each chapter, making it easy to teach language and culture together!
Video at the beginning, middle, and end of chaptersThe REALIDADES Video Program A/B/1 and 2 feature three separate video segments per chapter: the A primera vista language input segments, two or three GramActiva video segments, and the motivating storyline mystery videos ¿Eres tú, Maria?(REALIDADES B/1) and En Busca de la verdad (REALIDADES 2).
Complete chapter review and test preparationEach chapter ends with a summary of vocabulary and grammar, a test preparation page that outlines the chapter test, and an online self-test.
Reteaching and review across levelsREALIDADES offers a unique thematic approach to reteach and review previously taught vocabulary and grammar.The A ver si recuerdas section in REALIDADES 2 and 3 uses word webs, visuals, and charts for point-of-need review of content related to the upcoming theme and chapters.

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Sylvia Plath's Selected Poems (Faber poetry) Review

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(More customer reviews)This is not a review in it's proper sense. Sylvia Plath is canonized, and her poems surely have a power beyond what any arbitrary readers review might say about them.
On the other hand, nobody has left any recommendation on this work yet, which is a shame. That does not mean I would recommend this book unconditionally.
I have read her work on many stages in my life, mostly because it has been on my curriculum in one way or the other, and have never been able to connect with it, not until now. Sylvia Plath is surrounded by a lot of myths and maybe a rather unhealthy iconization due to her tragic exit from life. And maybe it doesn't help that she writes about waking up disappointed from suicide attempts in some of the poems, and her work most definitely has this dark side too. But she is not all about being suicidal, having death wishes and being committed to the psych ward.
The eye opener for me was therefore reading Metaphors. I read the poem by chance, not knowing it was a Plath poem and I found it full of playfulness - just like a "riddle in nine syllables", and I saw something in her style that had gone unnoticed before. Although it can be hard sometimes to understand her use of metaphors, they are referring to something very concrete, something very basic in her world, and more often than not, this is something that I, and I guess most other people, can relate to - for instant wakening up in the middle of the night to tend to a crying baby. As a proud father I find Morning Song one of the most beautiful texts dealing with the feelings parents have for their offspring. Because you know this is a writer who is not afraid to put her darkest thoughts to paper, the positive tone to these poems has an even greater credibility.
She is extremely observant, original and deploys the details, the descriptions in a way that, with her stern point of view, maybe is more precise to identify as a simulacrum of playfulness. But once you break the code, you're hooked.
This is The Selected Poems which does not contain Metaphors. I would have preferred to download The Collected Poems if it was available in a kindle edition.

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This selection of Sylvia Plath's poetry - chosen by Ted Hughes - shows Plath to be a major poet of the 20th century.

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English-Russian Parallel Bible Review

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(More customer reviews)As a missionary for 13 years now (since '94) serving overseas with the Russian people, I couldn't DISAGREE with w.shriver's comments more. Unlike the modern versions, the KJV (Authorized Version) retains a lot of old English that has Russian equivalents: e.g. thee, thou, ye, you, ALL have equivalents. I was working on the Kamchatka peninsula with a student that also was working with English and he was confused because as he put it, "there is SO much difference between the English and Russian texts." I learned that he had been trying to use a NIV and Synodal (Russian) together. I procured him a KJV and he returned a few days later with a smile. His words were, "It is like a hand in a glove!" If someone wishes to use an inferior modern translation in English (like the ASV) then they should pair it with a modern Russian version as well. Granted a dictionary is occasionally require with a few of the archaic words in the KJV (there are really not as many as some wish to say) but we are SUPPOSED to study!
Well done!

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Writing for the Mass Media (7th Edition) Review

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(More customer reviews)This is an interesting book. I am using it for my Writing for Mass Media class. The author puts at least 5-10 exercises at the end of each chapter for you to review the concepts which were talked throughout the chapter. Not really a sit down and read book, but does go over writing for media basics.

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Now in its Seventh Edition, Writing for the Mass Media remains one of the clearest and most effective introductions to media writing on the market. Offering clear writing, simple organization, abundant exercises, and precise examples, this book provides readers information about media writing and opportunities to develop their skills as professional writers. Using a text-workbook format, it introduces and explains the major forms of media writing–inverted pyramid and other story structures for print, emerging forms for the Web, dramatic unity for broadcast, copy platforms for advertising, and the various writing structures required for public relations. The basic and practical approach of Writing for the Mass Media makes it an excellent book for the introductory level writer.

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Hearing Aids Review

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(More customer reviews)Anyone in the field of Audiology knows this book as The Bible. I bought it four years ago and I use it as a reference book constantly. Do yourself a favor and bind this book because it will get worn! It is a comprehensive guide to hearing aids and it explains most terms in a simple and understandable manner. Some concepts will not seem simple right away, but read explanations from anyone else, and you will realize that Dillon is a master at explaining very complex concepts. I have taken two hearing aid courses based solely on this book and I strongly recommend it to anyone in our field.

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This highly anticipated work is the complete, one-stop guide to hearing aids, covering everything you need to know to prescribe, select, fit, measure, and evaluate their performance.Dr. Dillon is a sought-after speaker and instructor throughout the world.

Some of the benefits of this acclaimed text:
*COMPREHENSIVE--From basic concepts of hearing loss, hearing aid software and hardware, to assessment guidelines and results-oriented counseling methods, the book covers it all!
*THEORETICALLY SOUND--All findings explained in detail to clarify concepts, making the book ideal as a standard reference for clinicians as well as a core text in graduate courses
*PRACTICAL--Easy-to-use tips, tables, and procedures designed to be pinned to clinic walls for instant reference
*ACCESSIBLE--Synopses, key paragraphs, and detailed materials help you progress from basic to highly sophisticated concepts easily
*INTEGRATED AND CROSS-REFERENCED--Each cross-referenced chapter builds on previous chapters, with the flow and consistency of a single author
*INNOVATIVE--You will discover research results and procedures that have not yet appeared in the literature, giving you an important professional edge

Opinion leaders in the field have been uniformly enthusiastic:
"The book is smashing...Should be a required reference for anyone who deals with hearing aids. All of the materials, including an outstanding chapter on pediatric amplification, are presented in a practical and immediately useful manner."
--Jerry Northern, author and editor, HearX*

"Packed with concise, up-to-date, useful information concerning the selection and fitting of hearing aids. I'd highly recommend this text for graduate audiology students to anyone involved in hearing aid dispensing."--Gus Mueller, PhD, Adjunct Associate Professor, Vanderbilt University

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Theories of Human Communication Review

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(More customer reviews)Dr. Littlejohn does a masterful job of describing the various theories in human communication. The book is divided into manageable segments which place the theorists into understandable blocks. Before introducing the various theories, however, he discusses the nature of academic inquiry and what theory building is all about.
His various categories of theories include: general theories, thematic theories, and contextual theories. A person familiar with the writers in these various categories will find this book easy to follow, however beginning students need to be prepared to spend a little extra time with some of this material as it can be challenging when you're exposed to it initially.

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THEORIES OF HUMAN COMMUNICATION is considered the seminal text in the field. Littlejohn and Foss present the range of communication theories currently available in the discipline, organizing them according to the scholarly traditions and contexts from which they emerge. Clear and accessible writing, charts that summarize the relationships among theories, and sections devoted to applications and implications help position theories within the discipline as a whole.

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Paso a Paso Level 1 (Spanish Edition) Review

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(More customer reviews)If you are new to learning the Spanish language, please read this book. It is very thorough and doesn't go into great detail in the grammar sections (which would cause confusion). It presents a wonderful array of vocabulary via colorful pictures and the exercises in this book are very easy to do, and they can be spoken and/or written.

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The Poems of Gerard Manley Hopkins (Oxford Paperbacks) Review

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(More customer reviews)THE POEMS OF GERARD MANLEY HOPKINS. Fourth Edition based on the First Edition of 1918 and enlarged to incorporate all known poems and fragments. Edited by W. H. Gardner and N. H. Mackenzie. 362 pp. Oxford and New York : Oxford University Press, 1970. ISBN 0-19-281094-4 (pbk.)
For anyone who is interested in Hopkins, and everyone should be, this is the standard and authoritative edition. It gives us the only complete and accurate text which for the first time puts the poems in their true chronological order.
The poems have been arranged in four sections : Early Poems (1860-1875?); Poems (1876-1879); Unfinished Poems, Fragments, Light Verse, &c. (1862-89); Translations, Latin and Welsh Poems, &c. (1862-67). The book contains a useful and informative Introduction and Foreword, and is rounded out with very full Notes, a series of Appendices, and Indexes of titles and first lines. It is also beautifully printed on excellent paper, stitched, and bound in a sturdy glossy wrapper.
Hopkins had a unique sensibility, and brought something very special and of great value into English poetry. He seems to have had the ability to enter into the intelligence and feelings and spirit of all life forms, whether animal or plant or even landscape, to resonate with the indwelling divinity within them, and to somehow magically bring the miracle of their vibrant being over into his poems.
Hopkins is in fact a striking example of the fully human sensibility as described in the works of Heidegger and the great thinkers of the East, and exemplifies a quality of sensibility which most of us seem somehow to have lost. We skate dully and blindly over the surface of things, but Hopkins plunges into the depths of being and carries us along with him. In other words, he puts us back in touch with reality, with what life is really about. Hence his enormous value and importance.
In a complete collection such as this, there are bound to be many poems that fall short of greatness. For the newcomer to Hopkins, one suggested approach might be to first read some of his greatest poems, poems such as 'God's Grandeur,' 'Spring,' 'The Windhover,' 'Pied Beauty,' 'The Caged Skylark,' 'Binsey Poplars,' 'As kingfishers catch fire, dragonflies draw flame.'
There are many beauties to enjoy in Hopkins - his unique use of language, his control of sound and rhythm, his amazing images and metaphors - but for me the most beautiful thing of all is the news he brings, news of a universe in which all things are of infinite value and infinitely precious, and in which no creature is of any less value than another because all are indwelt by divinity:
"Each mortal thing does one thing and the same : / Deals out that being indoors each one dwells ; / Selves, goes itself ; _myself_ it speaks and spells, / Crying _What I do is me : for that I came_"(p.90).
Hopkins makes us acutely aware of our loss, and our crime. His poems map out a path back to a saner, more balanced, and more wholesome and intelligent way of dwelling on the earth, dwelling lightly upon it with all other creatures and as its guardian, not its ravager.
"O if we but knew what we do / When we delve or hew - / Hack and rack the growing green! / ... After-comers cannot guess the beauty been...' (pp.78-9).
Hopkins, I think, would have been very much in agreement with Heidegger who tells us that the earth must once again become a _Spielraum_ , a space of great beauty in which to play, and one in which all creatures, instead of being treated as mere objects, are allowed to do what they came here to do, to develop the full potential of their natures and fulfill themselves as manifestations of divinity. His poems are unforgettable, and one envies those who may be coming to them for the first time.

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Fourth ed. based on the First ed. of 1918 and enl. to incorporate all known Poems and Fragments.Ed. with additional notes, a Foreword on the Revised Text, and a new biographical and critical introd. by W.H. Gardner and N.H. MacKenzie.

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El señor presidente Review

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(More customer reviews)I read this great book by Miguel Angel Asturias a few years ago. It is set in the beautiful yet corrupt country of Guatemala, where justice is rarely done. The book is masterfully written by Guatemala's best know author and nobel prize winner, Miguel Angel Asturias. I definitely recomend this book to anyone looking for an entertaining and revealing look at Guatemala's former political and social situation, one that can still be seen in many countries of the world.

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One night, a personal friend of the President is assassinated. Who will pay for the crime: the guilty or the innocent? It hardly seems to matter in this Latin America republic, where the evil power of the President affects everyone.--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

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SCJP Sun Certified Programmer for Java 5 Study Guide (Exam 310-055) (Certification Press) Review

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(More customer reviews)When I started reading the reviews, I could sence a lot of familiarity with the comments. Later I realized that the reviews were for the book of the same title but on the previous Java 1.4.
Therefore a word of caution so that readers do not take the reviews literally for this latest book on Java 5.

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Get the book that shows you not only what to study, but how to study. The only classroom-based integrated study system for professional certification gives you complete coverage of all objectives for the Sun Certified Programmer for Java 5 exam, hundreds of practice exam questions, and hands-on exercises. The CD-ROM features full practice exam software plus an adaptive test engine.

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Essay Writing for HighSchool Students 1e Review

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(More customer reviews)I've used a lot of writing products for our children, and for high school, this seems to work very well, especially to get them to THINK about their writing, ORGANIZE (he is big on the 5 paragraph essay) and churn it out in a timely manner. Excellent practice for the SAT 25 minute essay. To help the teacher, he has a list of over 150 essay topics in the back of the book; something for almost everyone, even the most reluctant freshman writer (though I would use this more toward the year before your student takes the SAT--probably sophomore and work on basic writing skills freshman year). Better than most I've seen or used; not really a remedial handbook though, he assumes you can write an essay, he is helping you to write a very good one.

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Every student's guide to better writing. With new writing components on the SAT and ACT, and the increasing importance of college application essays, writing skills are on the minds of students and teachers everywhere.This brand-new, student friendly guide provides practical guidance and instruction in an effective, holistic approach to writing. Emphasizing contextual thinking, it offers:* A student and teacher tested approach to better writing* Charts and diagrams that make tough concepts easy to understand* Easy ways to discover and present one's point of view

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