In 1980, Sarah Norton and Brian Green set out to provide students with a textbook that explained writing skills in an accessible manner with minimal technical jargon. Adding a variety of engaging exercises that reinforced these skills made a recipe for success. Twenty-five years later, the sixth edition follows this tradition while providing new ideas and methods that facilitate the task of learning to write. The Bare Essentials, Form A explains and illustrates the essential elements of effective grammar, punctuation, accurate language, word choice, and sentence and paragraph construction.