Quick Access, Reference for Writers (MyCompLab Series)

It is true that this is a very informational book. It holds great tips that can really help you, and I must say that I love the material. However, it's just not worth the money. I would say to go out and find a prior edition because it has the same information. I got mine as a gift, so I really enjoy it, but if I had to buy it....It would be another story...

The book itself is good. Some of the sellers are stating that the instructor's version is the same as the student's, this is NOT the case. The book itself *may* be the same or similar but the access code inside the book needed for some classes is NOT. It registers you as an EDUCATOR rather than a STUDENT and you are not able to access your instructor's area for your class.
I bought an instructor's copy because it was a little cheaper and that was what most on [...] were selling. I am trying to straighten things out with the access code now. I have had to contact customer/account service and am awaiting their reply. Until this is fixed I have NO access to my class. I don't know yet if I will have to BUY another access code.

APA and MLA sections are helpful, but the rest of it is pointless, unless you do not know grammar. The cover is thin, so keeping it anywhere but home is not an option if you want it to stay attached.

On the inside flap of this book it says, "This edition was designed to help you quickly find answers to all kinds of questions you may have about writing." The QA, by Lynn Troyka does just that. The Quick Access Reference for Writers is an excellent resource book for all writers, especially students.

My college English teacher assigned the QA for our class. While I haven't read the entire book, I found all of the sections I have used to be beneficial in every aspect of my writing. The exercises that my teacher had us complete from the "Writing Process" section were very useful. I think completing these exercises helps to strengthen ones writing. In particular, the exercises keep an individual familiar with the writing process so that when they do have to write something, they can hopefully delve right into it.

I also used the book for grammatical questions and guidance on MLA documentation. Both sections easily explain the subject in what I will refer to as "laymen's terms." Most other writing books I have referenced seem to be written in a hoity fashion. This, to me isn't very beneficial, especially considering I wouldn't be looking in a writing reference book if I did not need something to be simply explained to me. I find MLA to be very confusing (and utterly annoying!). The QA was able to answer and explain my questions on documentation straightforwardly and made completely in the bibliography section of my papers a breeze.

The organization of the book is what makes it so wonderful and useful. The actual format of the text and its arrangement is unlike most writing books that I have sought reference in. Instead of having to search for the table of contents to find the part you are looking for, the book uses divider-tabs to separate the major sections. Examples of these sections include, "Thinking and Reading Reflectively," "Research," "MLA Documentation," "Grammar Basics," and "Tips for Multilingual Writers." This format makes it extremely easy to find the information you need. Also, the table of contents itself is excellently organized. It completely outlines each section of the book, making it very easy to find the one you need. The QA was so useful, that I found myself using it not only for the assigned class, but also for my own research in personal writing and for other college classes.

For those who need instant gratification, I recommend this book highly. Almost any question you may have concerning writing, you will be able to find it in this book quickly and easily. The Quick Access Reference for Writers lives up to its name entirely.

It's a worthwhile addition to any writer or editors reference materials. Clear, concise, and easy to use. Particularly liked the editor's marks reference right in the front.