"This book opens with a beginner's primer to the study of the relationship between words and their practical functions. After providing a brief but relevant background on the theorists and methodologies of systemic functional linguistics, the author explores how students can use linguistic tools to enhance their own reading comprehension and argumentative writing."--Page [4] of cover.

Recognizing the looting of language -- Theoretical frameworks that inform this approach -- Building a linguistic toolbox -- Scaffolding a critical language study -- Community, school, and participants -- Becoming comfortable with analyses and metalanguage: growth in confidence and critical awareness -- A changing world view: language analysis and developing critical consciousness -- Application of language knowledge: developing language skills in academic writing -- Bringing it all together: where do we go from here?