Write on! / Dan Mulvey.

Knowing the difference between active and passive voice --
Little and big parts of writing --
Sentences and arrangement of big and little parts of speech (in other words, syntax) --
Developing paragraphs for particular purposes --
Larger units (essays et al.) --
Punctuation and mechanics: all you really need to know --
Common mistakes to avoid! The big three (and then some) --
Words confused and misused and abused --
Selecting topics to write on ... --
Figurative language in poetry (and prose) --
Levels of language --
A reading list to make better writers --
The test (of your writing breeding) --
Appendix One: Pronouns and helping verbs.

High school and college students will find Write On! a valuable grammar reference, as well as a solid, sensible style manual to guide them in writing essays and term papers. The book opens with advice on how to avoid unnecessary use of that all-too-common cause of limp sentences?the passive voice. The following chapter cautions on misuse of pronouns and irregular verbs, and shows how to use them properly. Chapters that follow clarify correct use of parts of speech as they apply to every segment of written prose, from the briefest phrase to a full-length book. Later chapters deal with punctuation and frequently misused words, and advise on selecting topics to write about. A final chapter discusses ways to use figurative language -- similes, metaphors, symbolism, and other devices that transform mundane prose into pleasurable reading. Although written primarily for senior high school and beginning college students, Write On! also makes a fine desk companion for anybody who writes, including professionals. The book includes exercises, a writing test, and a vocabulary-builder appendix"--Publisher's description.