ESL 5

Models for Writers is a reader that encourages students to read critically and write effectively by providing them with good examples of various types of essays. These essays represent accessible, high-interest models of rhetorical principles and patterns. In addition to essays, this book also includes questions for study and discussion, as well as assignments for development of critical thinking and writing skills.

This is a useful text for teaching students how to use sources. It includes summary writing and practice in paraphrase and citing and quoting. It includes sets of themed readings as bases for essays and a good companion website. Instructor site has additional sources, essay examples, and handout materials. MUST supplement readings.

A favorite of many instructors, this text includes several key types of essays that students need to become familiar with and successful at including critical analysis of arguments and analyzing fiction and non-fiction. Includes great examples and in-depth look at said examples.

Thematic readings on high-interest topics ranging from the Internet, to advertising, media, freedom of speech, immigration, the economy, and environmental awareness. The readings are not lengthy with most of them about two-pages long. Though relatively short, they discuss the topic from various perspectives with depth and intelligence. Each reading comes with a short vocab list and discussion questions. The book is useful if instructors structure their assignments based on topics, and there is a big variety to choose from. Each thematic topic (unit) has suggestions

for writing prompts, but instructors will need to tailor them to suit the class.

The introduction has about twenty pages on critical thinking, essay structure, and reading strategies, so that serves as a good review on essay writing. However, the book does not contain a section on grammar instruction/exercise, or the MLA documentation format. The instructor will have to supplement these areas.

COMMENTS

COMMENTS

A collection of stories about the arranged marriages of women in India. Very readable. Good material for argument.

Fiction. This novel is aligned with Environmental Sustainability and Global Citizenship (ESGC) aspect of ESL 5.

American classic. This novel is rich in information about life and attitudes in the Deep South in the last century. Great story and themes, award-winning movie. Popular with students.

The book consists of a number of short stories that introduce the readers to Indian culture and values through the lives of Indians who immigrated to the US. The stories are well crafted, and students from other cultures can make connections easily through the general underlying theme of "immigration."

A very well written memoir on conflicts of values between the first and the second generations of immigrants of Vietnamese descent. The author, Andrew Pham, is also a former student of De Anza. He took writing classes to practice his craft.

An interesting novel that highlights the issue of the "use of hormones" in beef that Americans consume in such big quantities. It also touches on animal cruelty through vivid descriptions of slaughterhouses. Domestic violence is another theme embedded in the novel.

Immigrant story about clash between the generations.

Story of an immigrant mother and her daughter coming to terms with family secrets and how they shaped each of them.

Great novel. Accessible to students and causes interesting discussions about child rearing, personal identity, importance of culture, parental expectations, the child/parent relationship and many more.

Non-fiction autobiography

Non-fiction

Non-fiction

Collection of Short Stories