本书是编者在近年来英语写作教学经验基础上，经过优化精选，结合现代英语写作规范编写而成的。书中主要内容均取材于国外经典写作教材，力争给学习者提供标准的英语写作指导，培养学生自主学习的能力和以语言为工具获取并传递信息的能力。

本教材分4个部分。书中包括英语写作基础理论和专题介绍，全书章节清晰，便于教师根据教学目标、进度以及学生的语言水平和需求，进行灵活安排和取舍。为了方便课外学习者自主学习，书中附有相应的练习及参考答案、经典范文、相关网站链接信息等内容。

Foreword to Learners of English Writing

   PART ONE  THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO ENGLISH WRITING

Chapter One Basic Principles of English Writing

 1.1 Basic skills of English writing

 1.2 Spoken English vs. written English

 1.3 Punctuation

 1.4 Procedure of writing

 1.5 Words

 1.6 Sentences

Chapter Two Paragraph Writing

 2.1 Listing 

 2.2 Classification

 2.3 Cause and effect

 2.4 Comparison and contrast

 2.5 Exemplification

             PART TWO  COMPOSING ESSAYS

Chapter Three Narration

Chapter Four Description

Chapter Five Exposition

5.1 Expository essay of process

5.2 Expository essay of comparison and contrast

5.3 Expository essay of definition

5.4 Expository essay of cause and effect

5.5 Expository essay of exemplification

5.6 Expository essay of classification/division

5.7 Expository essay of problem and solution

5.8 Expository essay of listing

Chapter Six Argmnentation

6.1 Argumentative essay -- pattern 1

6.2 Argumentative essay -- pattern 2

6.3 Argumentative essay -- pattern 3

6.4 Argumentative essay -- pattern 4

6.5 More samples of argumentative essays

Chapter Seven mustration Description

7.1 Figure and chart description

7.2 Cartoon description

      PART THREE  WRITING FOR PRACTICAL PURPOSES

Chapter Eight Personal Letters and Social Correspondence

 8.1 Format and envelope of a letter

 8.2 Invitation

 8.3 Thank-you letters

 8.4 Condolences and consolation

 8.5 Letter of congratulations

Chapter Nine Applying for University Admission

 9.1 Requesting for admission form

 9.2 Graduation certification and notarization

 9.3 Personal statement

 9.4 Letter of recommendation

Chapter Ten Employment Writing

 10.1 Cover letter

 10.2 Resume (CV)

             PART FOUR  ACADEMIC WRITING

Chapter Eleven Notes and Memos

Chapter Twelve Notices and Posters

Chapter Thirteen Report and Seminar

 13.1 Report

 13.2 Seminars

Chapter Fourteen Summary/Abstract

 14.1 Summary

 14.2 Abstract

Chapter Fifteen Research Paper

 15.1 Procedures of writing a research paper

 15.2 Final copy of research paper

 15.3 Structures of research paper

Suggested Answers

Notes and Works Consulted