Updated documentation chapters reflect the latest MLA and APA documentation and manuscript format guidelines, based on the significantly revised style and documentation manuals published by both these professional associations in 2009, provide students with the most current guidelines.

New Essentials boxes, appropriately positioned throughout the text, highlight critical rules for important topics like establishing a thesis, structuring an argument, and using commas correctly and offer quick summaries of important content.

E-tips boxes, strategically placed throughout the text, remind students how to take full advantage of electronic resources for both writing and research in today's digital world.

A bold, fresh new design is pedagogically effective and designed to draw attention to important materials. 

New graphics, like the ones providing a visual metaphor for the writing process in the opening section of the handbook, make difficult ideas and concepts clearer and more accessible.