The Practical Writer provides you with a manageable step-by-step approach to writing, from the one-paragraph essay to the five-paragraph essay, and beyond it into the research-driven paper. Everything you need to master college-level writing is right here!: A proven model for writing takes you through a two-stage process of crafting the one-paragraph essay and concludes with techniques on how to write a sound five-paragraph essay. Comprehensive guidelines for writing a successful 3,000- to 4,000-word research paper are provided. Part 5, "The Research Paper," reflects the latest MLA recommendations for format and documentation and includes strategies for finding and using online sources and citing electronic sources. A mini-handbook on punctuation and expression offers sets of exercises on everything from comma splices to subject-verb agreement. Chapter 6, "Tips on the Writing Process," features a new section on peer review. Correlations to the updated Book Companion Website with Test Your Knowledge sections are consistently integrated throughout the text. New icons prompt you to use the website as a tool to hone your skills as well as to further your study and research. Book jacket.