Writing Arguments: A Rhetoric with Readings

by John D. Ramage, John C. Bean, June Johnson

&> For courses in Argument and Research.
The most thorough theoretical foundation available Writing A Rhetoric with Readings, 10/e integrates four different approaches to the enthymeme as a logical structure, the classical concepts of logos, pathos, and ethos, the Toulmin system, and stasis theory. Focusing on argument as dialogue in search of solutions instead of a pro-con debate with winners and losers, it is consistently praised for teaching the critical-thinking skills needed for writing arguments. Major assignment chapters each focus on one or two classical stases (e.g. definition, resemblance, causal, evaluation, and policy). Each concept is immediately reinforced with discussion prompts, and each chapter ends with multiple comprehensive writing assignments. This comprehensive version contains a superlative thematic anthology of arguments on contemporary topics and some classics for balance. Also available in a Brief version with rhetoric only ( 0321964276 ) and a Concise version ( 0321964284) which is a redaction of the Brief edition . Also available with MyWritingLab ™ This title is also available with MyWritingLab — an online homework, tutorial, and assessment program designed to work with this text to engage students and improve results. Within its structured environment, students practice what they learn, test their understanding, and pursue a personalized study plan that helps them better absorb course material and understand difficult concepts. You are purchasing a standalone product; MyWritingLab does not come packaged with this content. If you would like to purchase both the physical text and MyWritingLab, search for 0133910687 / 9780133910681. That package includes 0133944131 / 9780133944136, 013394414X / 9780133944143, and 032190673X / 9780321906731. MyWritingLab is not a self-paced technology and should only be purchased when required by an instructor.

Genres: Writing, Reference, Education, Textbooks, Nonfiction, School

608 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

Reviews

[Chelsea · Rating 2 out of 5]

boring as fuck.

[Phillip · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've taught out of a decent number of rhet/comp textbooks in my time--professionally published, anthologies of student writing created by English departments, custom readers, etc.--and this is one of the better ones in my opinion. There are somethings I'm not completely thrilled with, but basically, this book is relatively clear and accessible. The explanations of rhetorical concepts and their purposes are generally easy to read and understand, which is helpful for students. And the selections of readings are good because they are not only relevant to interests students might have (or, at least, relevant to important issues in today's world, whether students are interested in those issues or not), but also typically present multiple perspectives on a topic, allowing students to compare and contrast different arguments about a subject. For instance, there are several different readings about whether charter schools are a good innovation for the US education system, with authors taking different sides about the quality of education they provide, whether "school choice" is actually an effective way of providing better education, etc.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I use this in my comp classes now. I'm required to, but I like it for its timely examples and its concise explanations of various aspects of rhetoric, though I'm uncertain whether I'll continue to use it in the future.

[Everett]

ethos, pathos, logos, kairos. probably not the best textbook for developmental writers, but a good foundation for budding rhetoricians (and anyone else interested in the topic).

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a short classical argumentative essay published in this book, how could I not give it 5 stars!

[Michael Shilling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frickin Awesome.

[Julie Kesler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Used in my writing 2010 class, a good guide for rhetorical writing and a thorough breakdown of writing dynamics. Also a helpful MLA/ALA guide in the back. I keep it around.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually it is the 5th Edition. I really did enjoy learning about the different types of argument, and the elements of rhetoric. I found this book to have a lot of real life application.

[Michael Tabb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful in its simplicity but often over-simplistic to an extent that it was hard to fully trust as authoritative.

[Ali]

Best english textbook I have read. vey informative and helpful for writing arguments and papers!!

[Cari]

ENG 1010

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great textbook! Very clear and helpful.