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The Standard for Writing Well
Customer Rating:
An earlier edition of this book was required for one of my undergraduate english courses. At the time, I thought it was the best writer's reference ever written.
The reason its so good is because it is both designed very well and has great content that is simple to understand. One of the most frustrating aspects of writing well is finding the rule that you need to reference to correct something you've written improperly. The Hacker's guide makes almost every rule and example easy to find. First, it is spiral bound so a writer can open the page and it lays flat where most other writer's references are tightly bound stiff small books that refuse to stay open. Second, this book is tabbed with special tabs for punctuation, grammar, and an MLA quick reference guide. So, the tabs and the spiral bound are great. In addition to the ease of use through tabs and the spiral binding, this book is filled with great examples and of the rules that it explains. The examples and clear descriptions of the rules and how to use them, round out the package. Overall its the best writer's reference out there.
One thing, the book alone will not make you write better, but it will give you the tools and if you spend the time with it, your writing will improve. Mine still needs quite a bit of work but thanks to Diana Hacker, my point generally comes across in my writing.
I loved the original Hacker's guide that I picked up a Writer's Reference 6th edition recently and I must say, it has only gotten better with sturdier binding and plastic covered tabs that are considerably more durable than the first edition. I picked up the new edition because after almost 15 years, I figured some of the rules of english had changed just a bit and wanted the latest reference. Overall a wonderful product.
Yes, it is expensive but don't think of this as a paperback or spiral bound workbook; this is the "standard" english writer's reference on the market. You will not find a better product out there. If you're writing a PHD or Master's thesis, get this. If you're an undergrad trying to make it through an english class and your professor recommended another text, get this one in addition to whatever he/she requires. You will not be dissappoined and if you're at all like me, you will wind up reaching for your Hacker's Guide, as we in the know call it, very often.
PLEASE NOTE: There are now several versions of this guide, one for ESL students, one for Literature students, one for Academic writers, and one with some additional exercises. You can find them all at Amazon if you dig a bit - just wanted to pass that along so that you would get the one you need/want.
Essential tool for college.
Customer Rating:
This is an essential tool for today's college students. I would suggest purchasing one your first semester and using it often till your last.
5 stars.
Customer Rating:
Exactly what I asked for and it was in the best condition. Thanks for the immediate response and shipping.
A Writer's Reference
Customer Rating:
It is very helpful it is organized very well so it is easy to find what you are looking for i would recommend and suggest that you never sell it because it will always be needed
Excellent Writing Resource
Customer Rating:
This Book is the best writing reference book I have ever used. Just about every writing situation is explained and gives great ideas and provides alternative methods for writing.
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