From the Light to Forever : Composition, Structure, and Academic Language

Designed to foster increased acumen and ability in scholarly writing, From the Light to Forever: Composition, Structure, and Academic Language provides students with a clear understanding of why academic language is important, how to expand their language use of academic language effectively, and how to improve their writing skills. Students learn a myriad of tools and approaches to academic writing to build personal competencies and master the use of scholarly language.

The text is divided into two parts. In Part I, students learn how to achieve balance in academic writing, define and recognize the four sentence types, build rhythm through grammar and vocabulary, and revise to improve their writing. They develop an understanding of persuasive writing techniques and components, as well as the importance of paragraph structure in academic writing.

Part II focuses on format and structure, with chapters that assist students in identifying the point of a piece of writing, crafting an opening statement, presenting and explaining necessary facts, cultivating quality support for their claim, overcoming opposing viewpoints, and finishing strong. Throughout, applied exercises and Putting It All Together sections help students test their knowledge and strengthen their skills.

Included also are appendices of readings, literary synopses, and theoretical definitions to expand the emerging writer’s base in writing and literature.

Building upon the knowledge and tools presented in Through the Mist and toward the Light: Grammar for the First Year College Writer, also written by Dr. Montaño, From the Light to Forever is a valuable textbook for intermediate and advanced courses in writing and composition.

Dr. Gary Montaño is a professor of English at Tarrant County College in Fort Worth, Texas.