Discourse analysis is the study of how communication is structured so that it is socially appropriate and linguistically accurate. This book gives practical experience in analysing discourse. It includes analyses of: • spoken language – conversations, classroom interactions, speech events, and scripts • written language – from formal rhetorical structures of composition to the informal style of personal letters Each chapter includes Practice sections to raise the reader's awareness of systematicity in language at the discourse level, to give practice in analysis by  hands-on' involvement with data, and to offer suggestions to start on their own independent research. Example data are drawn from native speakers and language learners of all ages, backgrounds, and proficiency levels.