The primary goal of The Beacon Handbook and Desk Reference is to offer students clear, succinct explanations of the basic issues of grammar, usage, punctuation, and mechanics within the larger context of writing to communicate meaning. This sixth edition has been redesigned and revised with an eye toward increased accessibility and providing the most up-to-date technological information.

New to the Sixth Edition

• Expanded chapters on the research process now include substantial discussions of electronic sources-especially focusing on evaluation of Internet sites and documentation of a wide variety of electronic sources (from Web sites to e-mail, from online periodicals to information databases).
• A new chapter, "Document Design and Manuscript Preparation," provides advice on preparing both print and electronic documents, with special emphasis on evaluating design to enhance the presentation of content.
• The most recent Modern Language Association documentation is treated in the primary text; the new American Psychological Association documentation is covered in an expanded appendix. The new MLA paper is entitled "Walking into History: The Legacy of the Lincoln Memorial." The APA paper, "Music Theory: An Art of Communication," has been expanded into a full-length paper.
• A Web site now supports the use of The Beacon Handbook and Desk Reference. Divided into sub-sites for students and instructors, the Web site includes a wealth of related materials-abstracts of chapters, additional student papers for discussion, additional exercises, even more Desk Reference material, an online instructor's manual, and more.
• An expanded chapter on critical thinking now includes substantial treatment of argumentation. The chapter also includes a new sample annotated argumentative essay, "Toward a Better Law on Campus Crime."
• An expanded section on biased language addresses diction related to race, ethnicity, gender, region, sexual orientation, and other issues.
• An expanded section on ESL now follows the chapters on the writing process. In addition, icons throughout the book indicate topics of special interest to second-language students.
• The grammatical section of the book-the large, middle section-now presents basic information (parts of speech, kinds of sentences) first and then groups chapters by their frequency of use. For instance, fragments and commas splices appear early in the text, with sentence variety covered later in the book.
• The Desk Reference feature has been streamlined-to highlight what a survey of users indicated are the most helpful elements. Materials that have been removed from the fifth edition Desk Reference, as well as additional Desk Reference features, now appear on the Web site.

Content

The Writing Process. The Beacon Handbook and Desk Reference emphasizes the writing process-the discovery of meaning, expression, and form through planning, drafting, and revising-providing thorough grounding in writing the expository essay, the argumentative essay, and the research paper, three formats typical in college writing.

Critical Thinking and Argumentation. Chapter 5, "Critical Thinking and Argumentation," leads students through some of the basic concepts underlying critical thinking and argumentation skills, emphasizing the importance to communication-whether spoken, read, or written-of logical sequences of ideas, clearly and correctly articulated assertions, and apt and adequate supporting evidence. The chapter further emphasizes the argumentative essay.

ESL coverage. A revised chapter for ESL students now follows the discussion of the writing process. Further, throughout Chapters 7-30, an icon indicates a topic that may be of special interest to second-language writers.

Professional Samples. Paragraph-length samples from respected writers such as Henry David Thoreau, as well as samples from recent writers, provide students with interesting reading and effective models.

Samples of Full-Length Papers. The Beacon Handbook and Desk Reference includes a full-length model of each of the four types of papers discussed in detail: the essay, the argument, the research paper (one model in MLA style, one in APA style), and the literary paper. "The Composting Process" follows Adam Solari through the planning, drafting, and revising stages of a paper on film viewing. "Critical Thinking and Argumentation" contains Terry Hartle's "Toward a Better Law on Campus Crime," annotated to show the use of logical strategies. The research process and final paper of Jarah Cook-Estes illustrates "Research"; this paper on the history and use of the Lincoln Memorial, is annotated to show Jarah's rhetorical, stylistic, and technical choices. Christin Scott's paper on developing characterization in The Great Gatsby provides a sample of a literary paper.

The Research Paper. The Beacon Handbook and Desk Reference describes and illustrates the entire research process, beginning with the selection and evaluation of potential topics and sources and ending with preparation of the final paper. Through the model of one student's research and paper, students see the relation among all stages and the bearing of each on the final paper.

Research Methods. Chapter 31, "Topic, Research, and Note Taking," expands upon previous editions to include current discussions of electronic search systems (electronic card catalogs) and electronic periodical databases (for locating magazine, journal, and newspaper articles). Further, The Beacon Handbook and Desk Reference includes comprehensive coverage of using the Internet for research-from selecting a search engine to evaluating a Web site.

Documentation Styles. The Beacon Handbook and Desk Reference's coverage of documentation forms includes citation patterns for fifty-eight kinds of sources in the Modern Language Association of America style and, in an appendix, sixteen common kinds of sources in the American Psychological Association style.

Internet Sources. Acknowledging the increasing use of Internet sources in research, The Beacon Handbook and Desk Reference gives special attention to the critical evaluation of these sources and provides clear and comprehensive descriptions of documentation patters for fifteen different online sources.

Document Design and Manuscript Preparation. A new chapter explores a full range of design options, including the use of spacing, fonts, visual elements (headings, column, textboxes, tables, charts, graphs, illustrations), color, paper, and alternative presentation methods (envelopes, folders, binders, notebooks). In addition, the chapter includes discussion of elements of Web site design, including organization, home pages, and screen formats. Finally, the chapter provides guidelines for preparing a document in MLA style.

Desk Reference. The Desk Reference is a compendium of useful information related to a variety of disciplines. Divided into six thematic clusters-Language, Literature, and the Arts; United States History and Government; Science, Mathematics, and Technology; Geography and Geology; Business and Economics; and General Reference-the Desk Reference provides historical time lines, glossaries of terms, tabular material, and lists of relevant information. When appropriate, related Internet sites are provided.
    The Desk Reference may be used as a way to explore topics about which the write; further, it is a convenient, accessible resource for checking factual information as students explore ideas and develop papers.

Web Site: Student Resources. New to the sixth edition, an accompanying Web site features a wide variety of materials that expand upon the text. The "Student Resources" section features additional cross-curricular sample papers, easily accessible sample citations in both MLA and APA styles, additional exercises, Beacon Editing Exercises (previously available only on diskette), questions to use in finding appropriate essay topics, links to URLs listed in the book, chapter "Quick References," and a major supplement to the in-text Desk Reference.


Accessibility

"Quick Reference." A "Quick Reference" placed near the beginning of each chapter, presents succinctly the most important information in that chapter. "Quick References" preview chapters and provide quick answers to students' pressing questions.

Clear Explanations. Grammatical terms and principles are defined and explained in everyday language, with sample sentences to illustrate discussions.

Tables and Other Graphic Displays. Numerous tables, charts, lists, and checklists present information clearly and concisely.

Thematic Exercises. Each exercise treats a single topic, allowing students to apply newly learned information and skills within a coherent context.


Instructional Supplements

Instructor's Resource Manual. The accompanying Instructor's Resource Manual is divided into five sections. Part I, "Advice to the New Instructor," offers advice on course planning, conferencing, evaluation, and grading. Part II, "Using The Beacon Handbook and Desk Reference," provides detailed advice on using the book effectively. Parts III and IV offer tips on "Teaching Research" and "Using the Desk Reference" to complement those sections of the student text. Part V provides exercise answers, samples, and optional activities to incorporate into the classroom.

Web Site: Instructor Resources. The "Instructor Resources" portion of the new Web site includes an overview of the book, Parts I-IV of the Instructor's Resource Manual on-line, and a transition guide for those instructors who are transitioning from the fifth to the sixth edition of The Beacon Handbook and Desk Reference.