Reading Critically, Writing Well: A Reader and Guide [Paperback]

Rise B. Axelrod (Author), Charles R. Cooper (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 631 pages
• Publisher: Bedford/St. Martin's; Sixth Edition edition (February 21, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312390475
• ISBN-13: 978-0312390471
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.5 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #902,088 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Composition Reader!, April 4, 2000

By 

surrena g (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Reading Critically, Writing Well : A Reader and Guide (Paperback)

I instruct a first year composition class at a northeastern university. I have tried several other readers--including Outlook and Insights, Models for Writers, and Ten on Ten. While I think those books are full of good content, none is as carefully structured and presented as Reading Critically, Writing Well.

From the very first page, it presents important information clearly and concisely. Beginning with examples of autobiographical writing and ending, predictably, with information on research strategies and documentation, it is perfect for a first year composition student whose primary goals is to learn the most effective and evocative techniques for expository writing.

I love the way each segment ends with ideas and strategies to drive home the main topic of that section. Each chapter concludes with an emphasis on the necessary skills of editing and proofreading. While this might seem gratuitous, this repetition is very effective in raising the students' awareness of these issues.

Overall, I found the selected essays engaging, evocative, and thought-provoking. My class is fascinated by the discussion of topics as wide-ranging as early 20th century courtship rituals and reincarnation. I highly recommend this to composition instructors looking for a clear concise text.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars As a teacher I love it!, September 11, 2003

By 

Christine Santilli "chrissantilli" (Villa Park, IL United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Reading Critically, Writing Well: A Reader and Guide (Paperback)

As an English 101 Composition instructor, I found this book hand-holds the students through the process of creating different types of essays with wonderful essay examples. The book also gives great tips (questions to ask) for how to choose topics--a major problem for students.

The book became the outline for my entire syllabus because it's so well organized.

The students in my class did not rank the book well at the end of class review, but I don't think they put much effort into the course or read the book.
I'll be using the book again to teach the course though.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Textbook, February 14, 2003

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Reading Critically, Writing Well: A Reader and Guide (Paperback)

This is the best writing textbook I've ever used. I bought it for my college writing class, but had a hard time giving it up after my class was over. Not something you hear a lot about a textbook.