Trimble puts writers in two categories: conscious writers and unconscious writers. Conscious writers are typically advanced writers who have developed a keen respect and understanding of their reader. Thinking consciously of their reader’s needs, these authors clearly explain their argument, use concise prose, and signpost between paragraphs and sentences. In other words, they do not waste their readers’ time: “The writer who is fully aware of these implications—the conscious writer—resembles a person who companionably faces his listener and tries his level best to communicate with him, hopefully even persuade and charm him in the process, and who eventually bids him a genial, courteous farewell” (15).

In contrast, unconscious writers “haven’t yet learned to value their reader’s time” (32). They fail to state their argument, include extra words and sentences, and provide no signposting. The majority of college essay writers are unconscious writers. Writing with Style seeks to push unconscious writers on the path toward writing with respect and style.

“An essay, like a house, can be entered by the front door or the back door,” Trimble writes (31). When beginning an essay, or what Trimble calls the “opener,” the author has two options.