Errors and Expectations: A Guide for the Teacher of Basic Writing [Hardcover]

Mina P. Shaughnessy (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Still a groundbreaking work for composition studies. I want all new teachers in our program to have exposure to its approach to error."--John Hollowell, University of California at Irvine

"The definitive text in basic writing."--Louise Z. Smith, University of Massachusetts, Boston

"A classic--writing teachers are not educated if they haven't read it."--Nancy Shapiro, University of Maryland

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 324 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (January 6, 1977)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195021576
• ISBN-13: 978-0195021578
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.3 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #693,562 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A humane, wise, window-opening book, April 5, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Errors and Expectations: A Guide for the Teacher of Basic Writing (Paperback)

In the dry world of composition theory, Shaughnessy's brilliantdiscussion of error in student writing stands as a landmark. Aftertwenty-plus years, this book remains highly readable and one of the half dozen most important books in the field. I particularly admire the writer's refusal to slip into the pseudo-scientific jargon that typifies the trendy, flimsy, unreadable literature that comprises the field of composition. Anyone who teaches writing at a high school or college level would benefit from reading this fine book.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best of Its Kind, December 28, 2003

By 

Reader/Dog Lover - See all my reviews

This review is from: Errors and Expectations: A Guide for the Teacher of Basic Writing (Hardcover)

With the patience and attention to detail of a saint, Professor Shaughnessy hunted, and found, patterns in her students' writing that allowed her to lift each student to his or her true potential. This is THE book for the teacher of basic, first-language writing. Her prose is stunning in itself and is a model for the kind of clear, elloquent writing she would espouse. Certainly the best of its kind and as yet to be equalled.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's THE book, September 11, 2004

By 

Shih Fan Kao - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Errors and Expectations: A Guide for the Teacher of Basic Writing (Paperback)

I can't agree with Dr. Bruce Leeds more. This is THE book for the teachers of basic writers. Also, it is food for thought for ESL writing teachers. This book is a classic. I am waiting for another equivalent classic for an ESL writing teacher like me.