Reddit reviews The Lively Art of Writing

The Lively Art of Writing is absolutely amazing. It's enjoyable to read and the techniques can really help you write well. It gave me a great understanding of how to write a persuasive essay.

After that, Elements of Style is also an excellent reference on the finer points of writing, and can help you clear up some confusions you have.

I'd recommend working through The Lively Art of Writing first, just to put some practice and thought into how to communicate effectively. The second book is more for polish, but nevertheless still very good.

http://www.amazon.com/Lively-Art-Writing-Mentor/dp/0451627121

Bridging English and The Lively Art of Writing are two books I swear by.

I must be the only person ever who found The First Days of School patronizing and dull.

Good advice. One of the best books on writing theses and other topics is The Lively Art of Writing. It has really clear instructions and gives good follow-up activities at the end of every chapter.
http://www.amazon.com/Lively-Art-Writing-Mentor/dp/0451627121