Hands-On English [Paperback]

Fran Santoro Hamilton (Author), Michael Hamilton (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1998 | Age Level: 9 and up

Hands-On English is a concise handbook that makes the fundamentals of English easily accessible to anyone nine years or older. The book includes sections on grammar, usage, mechanics, vocabulary, reading, and writing. The appendix, Tips for Success in School, emphasizes efficient study.

The feature that most distinguishes Hands-On English from other English books is the use of icons to represent parts of speech. These icons provide visual representations of abstract concepts and depict the components of various kinds of sentences.

Throughout the book, concise explanations are followed by clear examples. Highlighting and illustration make examples easier to understand and remember.

The extensive vocabulary section includes nearly 200 word parts with their meanings and examples. Once a person masters these word parts, he or she will understand thousands of words the first time they are encountered.

The reading section offers tips for comprehension: using the SQ3R process, taking clues from signal words, and visualizing.

The writing section recommends breaking the complex writing process into manageable steps. Proper form is shown for outlines, friendly letters, business letters, bibliographies, and footnotes. Proofreader's marks are introduced individually and then shown in an edited passage.

Because information in Hands-On English is easy to find and easy to understand, readers are able to increase their independence and confidence in their use of English. Hands-On English is a handy reference book for children or adults, including people learning English as their second language.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4 Up?Using a visual approach to illustrate sentence patterns, Hamilton unravels the complexities of the English language with explanations and examples that are clear, easy to understand, and interesting. By using icons to represent each of the eight parts of speech (nouns are blocks, adjectives are paintbrushes, action verbs are springs, etc.), the author models various sentence patterns and makes sense of English grammar. A handy list of irregular verbs and an excellent explanation of using modifiers are included in the "Usage" section. "Mechanics" covers capitalization, punctuation, and spelling rules, plus those pesky words that have similar spellings and/or sounds but different meanings. "Communicating Ideas" is one of the most interesting and useful sections; just the discussion and listing of the common morphemes make this book worth purchasing. Students will also find directions on how to write an outline, use proofreader's marks, write letters, compile a bibliography, and write footnotes. The appendix provides tips on homework, class participation, and test taking. This user-friendly volume is sure to become a favorite resource on the English language.?Linda Wadleigh, Oconee County Middle School, Watkinsville, GA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"Hands-On English is a thoroughly accessible guide to grammar. With wit, visuals, and precision, Fran Santoro Hamilton unravels the mysteries of syntax and punctuation. . . . This excellent reference is for grades 4 and up." -- The Herald, Columbia, SC, June 27, 1999

"Hands-On English is a practical, student-friendly instructional handbook . . . . Highly recommended . . . ." -- Reviewer's Bookwatch, March 1999

"Anyone who wants to get back to the basics of English grammar, or to help a young student build a solid foundation in English, should own a copy of Hands-On English . . . . With an uncluttered, easy-to-read format (146 pp., 8 x 10 3/4), the book is obviously intended for students, but it is also an excellent tool for teachers. Adults, too, can use it to review fundamentals. . . ." -- SPELL/Binder, Sept./Oct., 1998

"The book's use of simple line drawings, large amounts of white space, and frequent bold headings make an often-feared subject seem less intimidating. . . . Hamilton answers just about any question a student could have about grammar or writing, and she does so in an easy-to-use format." -- VOYA, April, 1999

"The rules of writing become crystal clear with this valuable reference book . . . .Hands-On English is a worthwhile addition to any home library." -- Homeschooling Today, September/October, 1999

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 150 pages
• Publisher: Portico Books (September 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0966486706
• ISBN-13: 978-0966486704
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,997,489 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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