Customer Reviews

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

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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.

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.

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.

I am in graduate school and read this for class--while I think it's interesting, I think it's a difficult read unless you're actively teaching. Read it if you find yourself teaching Basic Writing (BW) students, are interested in learning more about the social aspects of BW students (i.e. how the lower echelon of students feel about its treatment vs. those students in higher tracks) or the psychology of the student in general. If you are going to use it, it might be best to focus initially on what you are strongest in, i.e. syntax, grammar, spelling. While overall I found it interesting in theory, it was a difficult read and hard to grab practical information from it.

I am a tutor, and needed a very basic teacher's guide. This fits the bill. At first glance, I doubted that is would be what I needed, but after reading it and using it the first time...I find it to be excellent.
The exercises are very appropriate, and I copy them off for the work sheets.. I am well satisfied.