Quick Access & Student Access Code Card Package, Fourth Edition

PREFACE TO STUDENTS A personal message from Lynn Troyka to students Many of you as writers have much in common with me. Sure, I've been writing longer, so I've had more practice, and lots of rules are cemented in my head by this time (though some stubbornly refuse to stick, and I still need to look them up). Rather, our shared experiences during the act of writing define our commonalities. After all, we're each trying to put into words ideas worthy of someone else's taking the time to read them. When I write, I'm often unsure of how to begin (starting in the middle and then working backward and forward usually helps). Not infrequently, I'm stuck for examples sufficiently effective to get my point across (running my thoughts past my friends can often get me going). Somewhat regularly, the precise expression that I'm looking for eludes me as I rummage through the clutter of words in my mind (using a thesaurus commonly helps me sort things out, as long as I attend to the subtle differences in meanings of synonyms). I offer this book to you as my partners in the process of writing, hoping that its pages suggest strategies that enhance your abilities to give voice to your thoughts. You're always welcome to write me atLQTBook@aol.comto express your reactions to my book and to share your own experiences as a writer. I'd like to end this message with a personal story. When I was an undergraduate years ago, handbooks weren't as common as they are now. Questions about writing nagged at me, and no one seemed to have the answers I sought. One day, browsing through the library, I found a dust-covered book sitting on the wrong shelf. Its title included the words "handbook" and "writers." I read that book hungrily and often. Back then, I could never have imagined that someday I might write such a book myself. Now that I've completed theSimon & Schuster Quick Access Reference for Writers,Fourth Edition, I'm amazed that I ever had the nerve to begin. What this proves to me--and I hope to you--is that anyone can write. Students don't always believe that. I hope you will. With cordial regards, Lynn Troyka HOW TO USE QUICK ACCESS YourSimon & Schuster Quick Access Reference for Writersis a reference book, like a dictionary or an encyclopedia. STEP 1 Scan the following lists to decide where to start looking. Scan the Divider Directory inside the front cover. Scan the Quick View Contents inside the fold-out back cover. Scan the detailed contents on the back of each divider. Scan the list of boxes at the back of the book. Scan the index at the back of the book. STEP 2 Find a number tied to the information you want. Find the number of the chapter. Find the number-letter combination of your question. Find the page number of the box you want. STEP 3 Check page elements illustrated on the opposite page. Check the chapter number in the tinted rectangle. Check the page number at the top of page. Check for your question and its number-letter combination. Check for a box number and/or title. STEP 4 Read and use the special features. Read terms in small capital letters as being defined in the "Terms Glossary" on pages 467-485. Read Alerts, Computer Tips, and cross-references. PREFACE TO INSTRUCTORS What's NEW in the Fourth Edition NEW Companion Website powered byMy Handbook locatedat www.prenhall.com/troika offers: Quick AccessE-Book available online24/7 in a searchable format that enables users to find information quickly and easily. A self-graded diagnostic testthat helps students identify specific prLynn Quitman Troyka is the author of 'Quick Access & Student Access Code Card Package, Fourth Edition', published 2003 under ISBN 9780131128521 and ISBN 0131128523.