Effective Writing is a practice book designed to help intermediate and high-intermediate students of American English develop their writing skills through problem-solving activities. The approach is learning by doing. By completing certain tasks, such as organizing ideas, selecting and ordering information, using reporting words, using attitude words, using linking words and phrases, writing beginning and ending paragraphs and punctuating sentences, students become aware of what a well-written text is. Students also practice writing complete, cohesive texts in such exercises as writing a report based on a conversation and writing an article based on visual information. Each unit focuses on a different type of writing: letters, stories, reports, articles, business letters and memos, and opinion essays. Effective Writing gives students valuable preparation for the Test of Written English and other standard writing examinations. It includes several of the essay types used in the Test of Written English, such as writing an essay based on a visual, comparing and contrasting, and stating an opinion.