to the Fifth Edition Preface Do you have trouble with punctuation? Are you always using commas instead of full stops? Is your spelling weak? Do you have difficulty filling in forms and writing letters? Then this book will help you improve the standard of your written English. It has been written in an easy-to- understand way designed for use by anyone. Whether you are a student, school-leaver, foreign student, an employed or self-employed worker or someone at home, it should prove a valuable reference book. The format is easy to follow with plenty of examples. At the end of each section there are exercises. Suggested answers are at the back of the book. Part 1 deals with the basic rules of grammar and punctuation identifying the various punctuation marks and showing how each is used. It also covers the parts of speech and demonstrates their uses. Part 2 shows you how to put Part 1 into practice. There are sections on essay writing, summaris- ing, writing reports and even plotting a short story. There are also chapters on letter writing, filling in forms, writing a CV and applying for a job. The use of e-mail has also been incorporated. xi