Introduction

The Penguin Writer’s Manual is intended as a guide and companion for anyone who wants to write or is faced with the task of writing.

Part One of this book helps you to learn how to write good and correct English by presenting in a clear and easily understandable way the rules, both written and unwritten, that underpin communication in English. It contains sections on grammar, usage, vocabulary, spelling, punctuation, and abbreviations.

Part Two is more directly concerned with the task of writing. It will show you, step by step, how to prepare and plan a piece of writing in order to give yourself the best chance of communicating effectively. It will help you to improve your writing style. It also discusses and illustrates how to tackle various everyday writing tasks, such as composing letters, essays, and reports.

There is no great secret to being a writer. There is no universal ‘open sesame’ that suddenly makes everything clear for everyone. That is, perhaps, bad news. The good news is that with care, common sense, and practice, everyone should be able to write plainly and well, or learn to write better and more confidently. Even if there is no universal key, it is still the authors’ hope that every reader will find in this book guidance and encouragement to turn writing into a rewarding activity.

Martin Manser
Stephen Curtis