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Joining the Conversation: A Guide and Handbook for Writers
A Guide for WritersThird Edition| ©2017 Mike Palmquist; Barbara Wallraff
Grounded in the best practices of effective writing instruction, Joining the Conversation’s rhetorical approach builds an awareness of writing purposes and genres as it teaches students to read critically, research effectively, and respond thoughtfully to the conversations around them. Compre...
Grounded in the best practices of effective writing instruction, Joining the Conversation’s rhetorical approach builds an awareness of writing purposes and genres as it teaches students to read critically, research effectively, and respond thoughtfully to the conversations around them. Comprehensive assignment chapters span reflective, informative, analytical and persuasive writing, following real students throughout their writing processes.Supportive apparatus guides writers from finding a conversation to join all the way through documenting their essays. Throughout the text, with techno-literate practice at the fore, multimodality is always an option and the conversation metaphor empowers students to make their voices heard—with their peers, in academic communities, and in the world. Based on reviewer feedback, the third edition of Joining the Conversation offers a new opening chapter on understanding yourself as a writer, more substantial academic readings on compelling subjects that matter to students, and an expanded digital option in Launchpad for Joining the Conversation. With theory put into practice, Joining the Conversation exemplifies the best of what writing instruction should be.
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Prepare academic writers with the best practices of writing instruction
Grounded in the best practices of effective writing instruction, Joining the Conversation’s rhetorical approach builds an awareness of writing purposes and genres as it teaches students to read critically, research effectively, and respond thoughtfully to the conversations around them. Comprehensive assignment chapters span reflective, informative, analytical and persuasive writing, following real students throughout their writing processes.Supportive apparatus guides writers from finding a conversation to join all the way through documenting their essays. Throughout the text, with techno-literate practice at the fore, multimodality is always an option and the conversation metaphor empowers students to make their voices heard—with their peers, in academic communities, and in the world. Based on reviewer feedback, the third edition of Joining the Conversation offers a new opening chapter on understanding yourself as a writer, more substantial academic readings on compelling subjects that matter to students, and an expanded digital option in Launchpad for Joining the Conversation. With theory put into practice, Joining the Conversation exemplifies the best of what writing instruction should be.
Features
The conversation metaphor that makes sense to students. By framing writing as a conversation, Joining the Conversation helps students connect their real-world writing across media to the academic writing they do in class. The book’s focus on the rhetorical situation shows students that the questions they face when they write online are the same questions they encounter in academic writing: Who is my audience? What am I trying to say, and why? How can I best express my ideas?Engaging readings that mix public and academic, traditional and multimodal. Current readings offer models in a variety of genres, from magazine profiles and advertisements to open letters and scholarly journal articles, and address timely topics, such as race in America and "FOMO" (fear of missing out) on social media.Featured Student Writers in each assignment chapter that put a face on academic writing. In Process boxes throughout Part 2 follow the work of six real college students across a variety of purposes and topics, culminating in their final essays on topics from trigger warnings in course syllabi to the problem of puppy mills in America. Their brainstorming notes, research questions, database searches, and peer review materials along the way illustrate the real writing challenges students face and the solutions they forge.
Available in two versions—one with a handbook. Choose the guide and handbook version of Joining the Conversation for three chapters of lively examples and student-friendly advice on style, grammar, punctuation, and mechanics. Written by Barbara Wallraff, former editor and columnist at The Atlantic magazine, the handbook serves as both a quick reference and a foundation for in-depth revision and editing.
New to This Edition
NEW Chapter 1, Understanding Yourself as a Writer, helps students see themselves as writers and prepares them to engage with the writing processes that work for them. Emphasizing reflection, transfer, and the rhetorical situation, this chapter connects the key concepts of Part 1 to the first assignment chapter, Writing to Reflect, and in-depth support for writing process later in the book. A new scenario follows the path of student writers through their composition course, showing how students develop inquiry and reflection skills. More sophisticated academic readings. Each assignment chapter now has 4 readings, offering a balance of complex academic pieces and real-world genres. Eighteen engaging new readings include- a profile on African-American ballerina Misty Copeland (Writing to Inform)
- a Rolling Stone music review (Writing to Evaluate)
- a literacy narrative showing one writer’s development from almost dropping out of high school to award-winning novelist (Writing to Reflect)
- a student-written proposal for a campus bike share (Writing to Solve Problems)
Expanded Assessment Options and new Activities in LaunchPad In addition to the Genre Talk activities mentioned above, LaunchPad for Joining the Conversation also includes customizable, autoscored reading quizzes for every reading selection; diagnostic quizzes; an expanded set of LearningCurve adaptive quizzing activities on grammar, argument, source documentation, and other topics; and Exercise Central, a bank of searchable and customizable grammar, punctuation, style, writing, and research exercises
“This book approaches writing in the best Burkean sense as a way of joining a conversation, encouraging students to explore what has already been said as they consider what needs to be said.” – Janice Walker, Georgia Southern University

Joining the Conversation: A Guide and Handbook for Writers
Third Edition| ©2017
Mike Palmquist; Barbara Wallraff
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Joining the Conversation: A Guide and Handbook for Writers
Third Edition| 2017
Mike Palmquist; Barbara Wallraff
Table of Contents
Part One: Joining a Conversation
Chapter 1: Understanding Yourself as a Writer
Why think of writing as conversation?
What should I know about writing situations?
What should I know about genre and design?
What should I know about writing processes?
How can I prepare for a successful writing project?
Chapter 2: Finding and Listening in on Conversations
How can I analyze an assignment?
How can I find interesting conversations?
How can I “listen in” on written conversations?
Chapter 3: Reading to Write
How can I read critically?
What strategies can I use to read actively?
How can I read like a writer?
Chapter 4: Working with Sources
How can I take notes?
How can I evaluate sources?
Chapter 5: Working Together
How can collaborative activities improve my writing?
How can I use peer review to improve my writing?
How can I conduct an effective peer review?
What resources can I draw on as I review and collaborate?
Part Two: Contributing to a Conversation
Chapter 6: Writing to Reflect
What is writing to reflect?
The Writer’s Role: Observer
What kinds of documents are used to share reflections?
Memoir: Margo Jefferson, Negroland
Humor: David Sedaris, Keeping Up
Photo essays: James Mollison, Where Children Sleep
Literacy narratives: Salvatore Scibona, Where I Learned to Read
Genre Talk: Reflective Writing
How can I write a reflective essay?
Student Essay: Mi Famiglia, by Caitlin Guariglia
Project Ideas
Chapter 7: Writing to Inform
What is writing to inform?
The Writer’s Role: Reporter
What kinds of documents are used to inform?
Informative essays: Liana Aghajanian, Stealth Generation
Infographics: INA/Princeton University, Magic Bean Shop/The Fries that Bind Us
Profiles: Rivka Galchen, An Unlikely Ballerina
Radio news reports: Bill Chappell, Four New Elements Are Added to the Periodic Table
Genre Talk: Informative Writing
How can I write an informative essay?
Student Essay: To Spray or Not to Spray: DDT Use for Indoor Residual Spraying, by Ellen Page
Project Ideas
Chapter 8: Writing to Analyze
What is writing to analyze?
The Writer’s Role: Interpreter
What kinds of documents are used to present an analysis?
Articles: Carly Lewis, The Writing on the Virtual Bathroom Wall
Rhetorical analyses: Brooke Gladstone, The Goldilocks Number
Analytical blog posts: Scott Barry Kaufman, Why Creativity Is a Numbers Game
Issue analyses: Peter C. Baker, Reform of the Nerds
Genres Talk: Analytical Writing
How can I write an analytical essay?
Student Essay: Deadly Force: A Conservative Political Writer Takes On a Quickly Evolving Issue, by Mackenzie Owens
Project Ideas
Chapter 9: Writing to Evaluate
What is writing to evaluate?
The Writer’s Role: Evaluato
What kinds of documents are used to share evaluations?
Scholarly essays: Eileen Ferrer et al, Playing Music to Relieve Stress in a College Classroom Environment
Media reviews: Jon Dolan, Adele ‘25’
Evaluative interviews: Kathryn Edin and Luke Shaefer, The Truth about Food Stamps (Hint: They Work and Help Millions)
Professional reports: High HOPES Campaign, Restorative Justice in Chicago Public School
Genres in Conversation: Evaluative Writing
How can I write an evaluative essay?
Student Essay
Making Better Choices: Two Approaches to Reducing College Drinking, by Dwight Haynes
Project Ideas
Chapter 10: Writing to Solve Problems
What is writing to solve problems?
The Writer’s Role: Problem Solver
What kinds of documents are used to solve problems?
Problem-solving articles and essays: Anneke Jong, Leveling the Playing Field: How to Get More Women in Tech
Proposals: Carpenter, et al, Iowa State Bike Share Studio
Opinion pieces: Patrik Jonsson, Five Ways to Reduce Mass Shootings in the U.S.
Advice: Chris Colin, Carpe FOMO
Genre Talk: Problem-Solving Writing
How can I write a problem-solving essay?
Student Essay
The Truth about Puppy Mills: Exposing a Heartrending Industry, by James Hardjadinata
Project Ideas
Chapter 11: Writing to Convince or Persuade
What is writing to convince or persuade?
The Writer’s Role: Advocate
What kinds of documents are used to convince or persuade?
Argumentative essays: Anu Partenen, What Americans Keep Ignoring about Finland’s School Success
Advertisements: Men Can Stop Rape, Where Do You Stand?
Point/Counterpoint editorials: David W. Kreutzer, Solar Power Presents Significant Environmental Problems; Don Kusler, We Need to Continue to Invest in Solar
Open letters: Charlotte Alter, An Open Letter to Open Letter Writers
Genre Talk: Argumentative Writing
How can I write an argumentative essay?
Student Essay: Trigger Warnings in the College Classroom, by Elisabeth Layne
Project Ideas
Part Three: Conducting Research
Chapter 12: Beginning Your Search
How should I focus my search for sources?
How can I develop a search plan?
How can I keep track of my sources?
How can I create a bibliography?
Chapter 13: Locating Sources
How can I locate sources using digital resources?
How can I locate sources using print resources?
Chapter 14: Conducting Field Research
When should I use field research methods?
How can I conduct an interview?
How can I conduct an observation?
How can I conduct a survey?
How can I engage in other forms of field research?
Chapter 15: Avoiding Plagiarism
What is plagiarism?
What are research ethics?
How can I avoid plagiarism?
What should I do if I’m accused of plagiarism?
Part Four: Crafting and Polishing Your Contribution
Chapter 16: Developing and Supporting Your Thesis Statement
How can I develop my position on an issue?
How can I draft my thesis statement?
How can I support my thesis statement?
Chapter 17: Organizing
How can I choose an organizing pattern?
How can I arrange my argument?
How can I create an outline?
Chapter 18: Drafting and Designing
How can I use my outline to begin drafting?
How can I draft an effective document?
How can I draft my introduction?
How can I draft my conclusion?
How can I help my readers follow my argument?
How can I design my document?
What should I consider as I design an academic essay?
Chapter 19: Working with Genres
How can I choose the right genre?
How can I write an article?
How can I create a multimodal essay?
How can I create a Web page?
Chapter 20: Presenting Your Work
How can I make an oral presentation?
How can I create a multimedia presentation?
How can I work on group presentations?
How can I develop a portfolio?
Chapter 21: Using Sources Effectively
How can I use sources to accomplish my purposes as a writer?
How can I integrate sources into my draft?
How can I ensure I’ve avoided plagiarism?
How should I document my sources?
Chapter 22: Revising and Editing
What should I focus on when I revise?
What strategies can I use to revise?
What should I focus on when I edit?
What strategies can I use to edit?
Part Five. Documenting Your Sources
Chapter 23: Using MLA Style
How do I cite sources within the text of my document?
How do I prepare the list of works cited?
Chapter 24: The APA Documentation System
How do I cite sources within the text of my document?
How do I prepare the reference list?
Part Six: Handbook
Chapter 25: Style: Write Confidently
Write clear, logical sentences
Choose language that will earn you respect
Choose concise, lively phrasing
Chapter 26: Grammar: Write Skillfully
Make verbs work for you
Write in complete sentences, not fragments
Avoid run-ons and comma splices
Use pronouns to help, not confuse, readers
Use adjectives and adverbs wisely
Chapter 27: Punctuation and Mechanics: Give Your Readers Direction
Use commas to keep your sentences readable
Use periods, question marks, and exclamation points correctly
Use quotation marks when you borrow words
Use apostrophes in contractions and possessives of nouns
Use colons to point at what comes next
Use semicolons between equivalent elements
Use other punctuation in specific situations
Use sentence mechanics to convey information

Joining the Conversation: A Guide and Handbook for Writers
Third Edition| 2017
Mike Palmquist; Barbara Wallraff
Authors

Mike Palmquist
Mike Palmquist is an Associate Provost at Colorado State University, where he leads university-wide efforts to enhance learning and teaching in face-to-face, blended, and distance courses. A professor of English and University Distinguished Teaching Scholar, he is recognized nationally for his work in computer-supported writing instruction and, in particular, in designing Web-based instructional materials to support writing. His most recent Web-based projects are Writing@CSU (http://writing.colostate.edu), an open-access, educational Web site for writers and writing instructors, and the WAC Clearinghouse (http://wac.colostate.edu), the leading site for communication across the curriculum. He is the author of numerous articles and essays on writing and teaching with technology and writing across the curriculum. In 2004, he received the Charles Moran Award for Distinguished Contributions to the Field, which recognizes "exemplary scholarship and professional service to the field of computers and writing." In 2006, the CCCC Committee on Computers in Composition and Communication named him Outstanding Technology Innovator. From 2009 to 2011, he served on the Executive Committee of the National Council of Teachers of English and as chair of the NCTE’s College Section. He is the author of Joining the Conversation: Writing in College and Beyond (Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2010); The Bedford Researcher, Third Edition (Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2009); and Designing Writing: A Practical Guide (Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2005).

Barbara Wallraff
Barbara Wallraff is a professional writer and editor. She spent 25 years at the Atlantic Monthly, where she was the language columnist and an editor. The author of three books on language and style—the national bestseller Word Court, Your Own Words, and Word Fugitives—Wallraff has lectured at the Columbia School of Journalism, the Council of Science Editors, Microsoft, the International Education of Students organization, and the Radcliffe Publishing Program. Her writing about English usage has appeared in national publications including the American Scholar, the Wilson Quarterly, the Harvard Business Review blog, the Wall Street Journal, and the New York Times Magazine. Wallraff is also a contributing blogger to Bedford Bits where she writes on English usage and invites readers to “Ask Barbara” questions about language and grammar.

Joining the Conversation: A Guide and Handbook for Writers
Third Edition| 2017
Mike Palmquist; Barbara Wallraff
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Joining the Conversation: A Guide and Handbook for Writers
Third Edition| 2017
Mike Palmquist; Barbara Wallraff
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Joining the Conversation: A Guide and Handbook for Writers
Third Edition| 2017
Mike Palmquist; Barbara Wallraff
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