Focus on Florida : writing paragraphs and essays / Marilyn Broughton.

I. A Choice of Words Is a Choice of Worlds!

1. Word Power!
Introduction
Connotative and Denotative Meanings of Words
Use the Context to Select Synonyms
Words with Similar Sounds but Different Meanings
Capitalize Words Correctly
Understanding Ways to Spell
Words Correctly

2. How Are Words Related?
Parts of Speech
The Functions of English Words

II. Structuring Sentences

3. Forming Phrases, Clauses, and Sentences
Introduction
Phrases
Clauses
Understanding Types of Sentences
Basic Sentence Patterns
Putting It All Together

4. Correcting Punctuation and Sentence Structure Errors
Using Correction Punctuation
Avoiding Major Errors in Sentences

5. Correcting Subject-Verb and Pronoun Case and Reference Errors
Introduction
Subject-Verb Agreement Proper Pronoun Usage

III. Working the Paragraph Puzzles

6. How Do You Put Paragraph Pieces Together?
Introduction
What Is a Paragraph?
Selecting a Topic
Analyse the Audience
The Purpose of Writing
Prewriting Techniques
Organizing Your Prewriting Ideas
Writing and Revising Topic Sentences
Writing a Paragraph Step by Step
Tips for Writing Good Paragraphs
Checklist for Writing a Paragraph

7. Different Types of Paragraphs
Introduction
Telling a Story Using Descriptive Details (Narrative/Description)
Describing an Object, Person, or Landscape
Use Examples in Your Paragraph (Exemplification)
Paragraphs That Give Directions (Process)
Paragraphs That Diagnose What Happened
Paragraphs That Explain Similarities and Differences (Compare and Contrast) Influence Others to Change

VI. Reaching the Summit

8. Structuring the Essay Introduction What Is an Essay?
Planning the Essay Visualizing the Outline and the Essay Identifying Thesis Statements
Writing an Essay from Beginning to End
Types of Introductions Choosing a Title Effective Endings

9. Revising Sentences, Paragraphs, and Essays
An Introduction to Revising
Using Peer Reviews
Sentence Combining Techniques Using Parallel Structure
Eliminating Unnecessary Passive Voice
Point of View
Eliminating Wordiness
Avoiding Vagueness in Writing
Revising for Unity Revising for Coherence

10. Taking Exit Exams
General Test-Taking Strategies
How to Raise Your Scores on Standardized Tests
How to Save Time When Writing Five-Paragraph Essays in a Testing Situation

Includes index