Patterns of Exposition (18th Edition)

Patterns of Exposition is the BEST English text I have ever had the pleasure of using. Period. The book is well organized, providing a clear and concise definition of each pattern and following it with several examples. The essays contained within are all thoughtful, diverse, and fine models of the discussed expository techniques. You will probably learn more about expository writing (and how to become a talented writer yourself) by carefully reading each essay, dissecting them, and pondering their guided questions, than you will during your entire freshman year of college.

I used this book for my freshman english class and am sorry to say that I mostly didn't like it--the book is supposed to give professional examples of different writing patterns, so that the students can imporve their writing, but that's the last thing it does! The only helpful thing were the student sample, although, on the contrary to the complicated, professional essays, they are really easy and you won't learn anything from them either. Overall and simply-worded, the book won't help you that much!

This book is great. It can teach you writing techniques that can be helpful. The only down side is that it is a little pricy.