Writing First: Practice in Context

Writing First: Practice in Context and Foundations First: Sentences and Paragraphs are part of a two-book workbook series from experienced teachers and authors Laurie Kirszner and Stephen Mandell. Both books teach students basic writing and grammar skills in the context of their own writing — where students learn best.

Writing First: Practice in Context helps students master basic writing skills by providing them with clear instruction, engaging models, interesting and abundant exercises, and plenty of guidance for self-checking and revising their work. In addition, the unique "practice-in-context" method gets students writing immediately in every chapter and has them consistently applying what they learn to their own writing. The fourth edition goes further in helping students make important connections — between paragraph and essay writing skills, and between following step-by-step models of writing and composing their own work. Revised in consultation with an ESL specialist, this edition is a strong choice for classrooms with non-native speakers. With additional chapters on study skills and research, Writing First is an invaluable tool for students learning the essential skills of college reading and writing.

Writing First: Practice in Context and Foundations First: Sentences and Paragraphs are part of a two-book workbook series from experienced teachers and authors Laurie Kirszner and Stephen Mandell. Both books teach students basic writing and grammar skills in the context of their own writing — where students learn best.

Laurie Kirszner and Stephen Mandell have taught college composition and basic writing for more than 25 years and have authored many widely adopted textbooks including Patterns for College Writing (2009), Foundations First: Sentences and Paragraphs (2008), and the new text Focus on Writing: Paragraphs and Essays (2008).

Laurie Kirszner teaches composition, literature, and creative writing at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia. Stephen Mandell is the founder and former director of the basic writing program at Drexel University, where he teaches composition, literature, and technical and business writing.