Reading, Writing and Reasoning: A Guide for Students

Review of 1st Edition
The book's title is absolutely accurate in describing how the authors give the most practical and clear advice on all of the problematic aspects of reading for meaning, developing analytic and coherent thinking and writing in coursework.

This book will be invaluable for any student and it would be sad if most are too busy writing essays and undertaking examinations to read it.
Nursing Times

Review of this edition
I felt this was a real back to basics text in parts that went over some rules of thumb that even I'd forgotten about. I felt also that part 3 entered the domain of some of the more technical arguments when discussing thought processes. The sub-heading 'Criticizing others is not a blood sport' resonated oh so true. A thoroughly worthwhile and enjoyable text.
John Carson, Senior Lecturer, Northumbria University.

This guide is a must for all students who find writing essays difficult. It will enable them to develop essential skills in reading, writing and reasoning. The authors are both very experienced in helping students to develop proficiency in these areas. Written in plain language, the book encourages the development of key skills in reading and evaluating texts, in the use of a clear and effective writing style and in cogent argument. The practical advice, examples and exercises are invaluable for all students who would like to become better readers, writers and reasoners.

Gavin Fairbairn is Professor of Ethics and Language at Leeds Metropolitan University and was formerly Professor of Education at Liverpool Hope University College, to which he moved from a Chair of Professional Development in Nursing and Midwifery at the University of Glamorgan. Prior to that he worked for many years in teacher education in Wales, following a career in social work and special education. He has published extensively in education, and in applied philosophy and ethics, where he has a special interest in the ethical issues that arise in the caring professions. He has acted as a reviewer for a number of journals for many years, and as an advisor to publishers he has reviewed numerous book proposals about both educational and ethical topics. His books include (with David Canter) Becoming an Author: a guide to academics and other professionals and Contemplating Suicide: the language and ethics of self harm. His most recent book with Susan Fairbairn, Writing Your Abstract: a guide for would-be conference presenters, was published in 2005.

Christopher Winch is Professor of Education at Nene College, Northampton. He has published widely in philosophy, linguistics and education. He is the author (with Robert Solomon) of Calculating and Computing for Social Science and Arts Students, also published by the Open University Press, Language, Ability and Educational Achievement (Routledge 1990) and Quality and Education (Blackwell 1996).