In Advanced Academic Writing I, students practice writing academic papers with four assignments, for which they must review their knowledge of grammar and punctuation, learn the MLA method for formatting research papers, become versed in how to structure a well-written paper, and understand standard proofreaders’ marks for correcting their work.

The most significant feature of this book is that it includes sample papers to illustrate good and bad writing. When students can see what is expected of them—as well as what not to do—they have a far better chance at succeeding.

The book also contains an explanation of grading expectations and ten focus points for each assignment, providing students with forty actual research paper comments from Michael’s extensive archive of comments that he used most often when grading student papers—both corrective comments explaining how to fix various writing problems but also praise for aspects of writing that students did well.

This is a rigorous and detailed program, essential for anyone who needs to write formal academic papers. Michael writes:

“When we do advanced academic writing, we must learn not only to accept but to enjoy the relaxed pace of research, the meticulous construction of sentences, the gradual architecture of essays. The advanced process must be accompanied by an advanced attitude because so long as we resist enjoying advanced competence, we will be unable to achieve it.”

NOTE: This is the third edition of this book, updated to adhere to the current MLA standards and to include an expanded section on citing and referencing electronic sources of information. We strongly recommend against using older editions of this book.