Ten Steps to Help You Write Better Essays & Term Papers: Third Edition    by Neil Sawers Order:  USA  Can NS Group, 2003 (2000) Paperback      Reviewed by Hilary Williamson This small, narrow handbook effectively communicates Ten Steps to Help You Write Better Essays & Term Papers. The 3rd edition incorporates referencing changes from the 2001 update of the American Psychological Association (APA) Manual. Steps are divided into: Basic (2), Clarifying (4) and Writing (4). Reference sources are included at the back of the booklet. Under Basic steps, Sawers advises us that 'Being proactive is about attitude', encourages pushing past fears, and explains how to plan backwards from an assignment's due date and to prioritize. Clarifying steps include identifying topic and thesis, research, and developing an outline. The author uses an Inverted triangle to show the benefits of up front work, and explains how to use Brainstorming, Mind mapping (including a version based on columns of sticky notes) and Rapidwriting tools to explore a topic. Sawers explains that success comes from having a clear, forceful, supportable argument and communicating its validity to the reader. He talks about primary and secondary (including the Internet) research sources, and warns against plagiarism. He provides valuable tips on Listening and Speaking, explains MLA and APA referencing rules, and discusses different approaches to develop an argument and outline. He begins his Writing steps with the excellent advice to 'Write with your reader in mind', and continues to discuss drafts, revisions, and 'one last look'. Any high school or college student would benefit from Ten Steps to Help You Write Better Essays & Term Papers, which provides comprehensive, succinct and accessible checklists, tools, and tips on the writing process. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Teens books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews