In Focus: Strategies for Academic Writers

Author: Myra Ann Shulman

Publisher: University of Michigan Press/ESL (2005)

Binding: Paperback, 256 pages

Do you teach academic writing? Do you teach writing in an ESL classroom?

Of the ten or so textbooks that I browsed through for additional materials for an academic writing class, this book stood out. Featuring clear explanations, short readings, and concise writing activities, this book seems almost pitch perfect for intermediate ESL students and IEP programs. This fine University of Michigan textbook gently and systematically introduces English language learners to effective techniques. As a result, ESL students learn academic writing by actually writing - and revising - short, focused pieces.

This relatively new textbook also prepares graduate and international students for more challenging future academic work. In Focus, therefore, naturally complements the classic Academic Writing for Graduate Students, 2d ed.: Essential Tasks and Skills (Michigan Series in English for Academic & Professional Purposes) by John M. Swales and Christine A. Beer Feak for advanced ESL students. I teach two courses using Academic Writing for Graduate Students at USC, and students make clear, significant progress by completing bite-sized writing exercises and analyzing short journal readings. (The teacher's guide, called Commentary for, is also outstanding). Yet sometimes ESL and EFL students sometimes need to take a step back before taking two steps forward. In Focus provides excellent material in those situations too.
If you teach academic writing to English language learners, you should at least consider this fine textbook for your courses.