Part III - A transition to essay writing that shows how to apply the patterns to longer pieces and adapt them for essay exams. Part VII - An anthology of student and professional readings with an introduction on critical reading and comprehension. Also includes writing exercises. Appendices - Writing with a word processor and tips for ESL students. In every chapter, Odyssey offers a progression of exercises that begin with comprehension and practice of fundamental concepts.
Some exercise sets focus on invention and the writing of short pieces.
Readers can then proceed to exercises that call for critical thinking, drafting, and revision. Grammar, mechanics, and punctuation chapters conclude with summary exercises that call upon use of all the grammar and sentence skills learned in the chapter. Chapters are self-contained to accommodate diverse instructor and student needs and preferences. Coverage of common verb and tense problems is more complete than in competing texts. Carefully sequenced exercise sets in each chapter help develop skills incrementally and encourage critical thinking and self-assessment.