Commentary for Academic Writing for Graduate Students, 2d ed.: Essential Tasks and Skills (Michigan Series in English for Academic & Professional Purposes)

Author: John M. Swales, Christine B. Feak

Publisher: University of Michigan Press/ESL (2004)

Binding: Paperback, 128 pages

How do international students develop the appropriate vocabulary, register, and practice for writing their research projects in English? What reading and writing strategies and techniques do ESL students need to master to successfully write summaries, create annotated bibliographies, and convey their ideas to their academic peers and professors?

This commentary to the second edition of the acclaimed Academic Writing for Graduate Students: Essential Tasks and Skills answers these vital questions. A concise summary opens each unit before revealing the task answers. Mirroring the popular ESL book's structure, the reader can
quickly determine the essential teaching point of each task.

This commentary dramatically enhances the core text, giving both the novice and experienced writing instructor practical tips on complicated material. The authors acknowledge disagreements between disciplines, provide lively responses, and maintain a nuanced, fair tone. They also freely admit where they have responded to, or incorporated, criticisms of the first edition. Naturally, ambitious and curious graduate students can benefit from this thin instructor's guide as well.

In short, this excellent primer illuminates the definitive guide to academic writing for international students.