Dan Said:

PDF books which teach writing skills?

We Answered:

Here's a Google search result, as per your specifications :

http://www.google.co.in/search?client=op…

http://www.google.co.in/search?hl=en&cli…

www.creativity-portal.com -- this site regularly gives out some very good creative writing tips & techniques. Take a few minutes to browse through the archives.

Also check out some of the past similar Qs on Y!A - you may find more links & resources there.

Hope this helps
All the very best :-)

Christina Said:

What are the basic skills taught in an academic writing course?

We Answered:

May I assume that you would be teaching ESL? In that case, first you have to decide what level your students will be. Are we talking paragraphs, beginning essays, or advanced research papers?

Freddie Said:

Have any experienced teachers noticed a decline in basic writing skills?

We Answered:

I have noticed the decline in writing skills. However, those poor writing skills have been accompanied with all sorts of academic deficiencies. Modern students tend to lack in math, reading, science, analytical, and analogical skills as well! This is because our students are born to low-income families with parents who are also young, and uneducated. The only positive aspect of our situation, is that the parents usually know their short-comings and want their children to surpass them!

Texting, and other forms of electronic communication have further prevented the development and mastering of participles such as; your and you're, their and they're, us and ourselves! Sadly, a simple game of scrabble could help correct this problem! These children are pluralizing everything and using words out of their correct context! Slang seems to be the most understood vernacular! The British are excelling in OUR cultural language. India has more english speaking citizens than the United Sates of America does!

I would like to assist in any efforts to correct this madness. Children today, do not understand the importance of ENGLISH. Most importantly, generation WHY, does not understand the impact that language and writing skills will have on a thesis for a doctorate degree, or a closing statement for a court case!

Geraldine Said:

Can a teacher tell me if schools are still teaching basic grammar and writing skills?

We Answered:

Schools are still teaching basic grammar and writing schools, of course some teach them better than others. I think when it comes to texting and e-mailing teens like to abbreviate things. I am a teacher and in school they are not allowed to use that form when writing or on anything that is submitted. Of course, maybe some schools would allow this but I hope not!

Ralph Said:

Do you know any good website with materials which teaches about writing skills ?

We Answered:

I can see that you really need help. There are hundreds of websites that teach writing. Here's one of the best:
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/
Or try:
http://www.writing-smart.com/

Amy Said:

Where can I find a journal of academic writing skills teaching?

We Answered:

Try this to get started
jerz.setonhill.edu/writing/
academic/index.html