Cultivation II: College Writers Analyzing the World through Words
Edition: 1
Copyright: 2020
Edition: 1
Copyright: 2020
Choose Your Format
Choose Your Platform | Help Me Choose
Print Package
$70.51 USD
Ebook Package
$68.25 USD
This text provides a comprehensive guide to effective writing for academic, professional, and workplace settings. Beginning with the fundamentals of purpose, audience, and tone, it leads readers through the writing process—from planning and drafting to revising and editing—while emphasizing critical thinking, argumentation, and evidence-based communication. The text also explores a variety of writing forms, including essays, literary analysis, workplace documents, research writing, and source documentation.
Designed to strengthen both writing and communication skills, the book combines practical strategies with opportunities for application, helping readers develop clear, organized, and persuasive writing that meets the expectations of academic and professional audiences.
Part 1—The Most Basic Basics: Purpose, Audience, and Tone
Chapter 1 Purpose
Determining Purpose
Self-Expressive Writing
Informative Writing
Interrogative Writing
Persuasive Writing
Entertaining Writing
Exercises
Chapter 2 Audience
Audience Identification
Audience Analysis
Communication Hierarchy
Exercises
Chapter 3 Tone
Tone and Audience
Reader-Centered Perspective
Denotation and Connotation
Biased Language
Exercises
Part 2—The Writing Process: Pre-Writing, Drafting, Rewriting
Chapter 4 Pre-Writing
Pre-Writing Strategies
Creating an Effective Thesis Statement
Focusing, Organizing, Outlining
Exercises
Chapter 5 Drafting
Creating a Meaningful Title
Crafting an Effective Introduction
Body Paragraphs
Conclusions
Exercises
Chapter 6 Rewriting
Editing
Proofreading
Peer Reviewing
Exercises
Part 3—The Essay as Argument
Chapter 7 Essential Features of Argument and Persuasion
Evidence-Based Thesis
Acknowledging and Refuting Opposing Viewpoints
Inductive and Deductive Reasoning
Logical Fallacies
Exercises
Chapter 8 Modes of Development
Narration
Definition
Description
Exemplification
Comparison and Contrast
Process Analysis
Cause and Effect
Exercises
Part 4—Specialized Essays
Chapter 9 Essay Examinations
Understanding the Question
Take-Home Exams
In-Class Exams
Exercises
Chapter 10 Literary Criticism
Critical Perspectives
Formalist Criticism
Unique Features of the Literary Criticism Essay
Exercises
Part 5—Workplace Writing
Chapter 11 E-Mail
Purpose
Tone
E-Mail Etiquette
Exercises
Chapter 12 Business Letters
Full Block Format
Three-Part Organization
Appropriate Tone
Exercises
Chapter 13 Short Reports
Page Design
Kinds of Reports
Exercises
Chapter 14 Proposals
External Proposals
Internal Proposals
Elements of Proposals
Appropriate Tone
Exercises
Chapter 15 Application Letters and Résumés
Application Letter
Résumé
Exercises
Part 6 – Research-Based Writing
Chapter 16 Finding, Evaluating, and Integrating Sources of Information Sources
Integrating Information
Collaboration
Exercises
Chapter 17 Documentation
Plagiarism
Chapter 18 Workbook
Chapter 19 Close Reading and Explication
Chapter 20 Interpreting
Appendices
Appendix A—Seven Style Tips
Appendix B—Review of Mechanics: Spelling, Punctuation, and Grammar
Index
Laurie Carter is Dean of the School of the Arts and Humanities at Susquehanna University, an award-winning educator, and a nationally recognized author. Through her scholarship, teaching, and public engagement, she is committed to fostering resilience, equity, and meaningful dialogue in education and beyond.