About the Book:

Subject-Verb Agreement? Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement? Dangling Modifiers? Subordinating Conjunctions? And just when should a comma be used?

Bare Essentials, 13th edition answers these questions and more!

An Overview

“…It is important to understand that this author does not think one English dialect is better than another. However, rules of the Standard English are what this book will emphasize. In order for you or anyone to have more career and personal choices, it is imperative that an individual masters these rules. This does not discount other forms of English. Still, the professional choices are limited as well as the ability to move comfortably within various social circles when an individual knows only one dialect. So, let anyone of you who question ‘why’ of learning these rules of Standard English focus on the ‘how.’ Keep in mind you have the choice to use various forms of English. The mastery of Standard English broadens the scope of those choices and the opportunities for the writer and the speaker.”

—Fairy C. Hayes-Scott, Ph.D.

This is the 13th edition. This handbook is a comprehensive work that covers the very basics of English (part of speech and various rules of grammar and punctuation) to the more complex (the writing of paragraphs, themes, and research papers). There is a pass-protected site that is part of the handbook that contains grammar exercises, student narratives, extensive information about the MLA and APA formats, and research papers. Also, there are color photos and interpretive readings of poetry. And as an extra feature in this 13th edition, there is the DVD, Cases of Concern. (This work is available separately from this handbook. See the web site for information. A preview of one of the scenarios is available on this site.) It focuses on a major issue facing our society, the inability to manage conflict—bullying in a school setting, conflict between parents, conflict among students, and conflict between co-workers. These scenarios provide catalysts for discussions and writing exercises. Robbie Dean Press, L.L.C. motto is “Determined To Make A Difference.” The addition of the DVD that addresses these timely issues of conflict management is another way of a RDP publication fulfilling its motto. Bare Essentials, 13th edition is a college handbook that can be used as a reference or canon in high school settings, too. So, the 13th edition of Bare Essentials: An English Handbook for Beginner Writers is one of the most comprehensive handbooks presented as of this date that meets the academic and social needs of a wide range of students!

"Meet The Author's" Corner:

The owner/publisher, Dr. Fairy C. Hayes-Scott, is an author/editor of three books of the books produced by RDP. She is a college professor of literature and composition of Mott Community College (Flint, MI) for over twenty years. She has also taught American Sign Language courses and lecture courses focusing on Deafness. She has initiated and taught the only college English composition course exclusively for Deaf students in the state. And reportedly, it is the only one of its kind in the country. Dr. Hayes-Scott was a consultant and motivational speaker. She has served as a consultant for an innovative summer six-week academic enrichment program for Detroit Public Schools Deaf students, entitled "Direct Success." On a part-time basis for Eastern Michigan University, she has also served as a supervisor of student teachers.

Reviews:

"Bare Essentials offers students an uncomplicated approach to basic essay structure. Returning students state that the book makes it easier for them to work independently: `It was easy for me to do my outline because I understood the format better than ever before.' Especially helpful is the section that addresses sentence problems."

— Mrs. Marsha Stewart, Assoc. Professor
Mott Community College
 
“Not only has this book helped me, my sister, who is at a university, also, has used my handbook. After I finish the course, she plans to use this handbook as she continues at the university.”
 
— Former Student of Dr. Fairy
English 102