- Axelrod and Cooper's acclaimed Guides to Writing. For six of the most frequently assigned genres in the first-year composition class, the Concise Guide includes the Writing Guides that have made The St. Martin's Guide to Writing so successful -- remembering events, writing profiles, explaining concepts, arguing a position, proposing a solution, and justifying an evaluation -- all streamlined for this edition.- Systematic integration of reading and writing, with activities for both individual and group work. Eighteen reading selections by professional and student writers are paired with commentary and questions that focus on writing strategies students can use in their own essays. Collaborative activities throughout the Concise Guide reinforce the reading-writing connection -- for instance, "Connecting to Culture and Experience" activities encourage students to discuss readings in small groups and "Critical Reading Guides" help students with peer review of one other's drafts.- Comprehensive chapters on research. Three chapters present strategies for field research, library and Internet research, and using, evaluating, and acknowledging sources. Additionally, the Concise Guide includes student essays that reflect MLA and APA styles.