The Well-Crafted Argument

by Fred D. White, Simone J. Billings

THE WELL-CRAFTED ARGUMENT, 6th Edition, guides you through the process of writing effective arguments for every course you take. The authors include coverage of critical reading strategies and the steps of writing, researching, and documenting a topic as well as an anthology of readings grouped into six thematic clusters. Students using this textbook have appreciated the inclusion of real students' essays, which show you that your own voice can come through regardless of the argumentative approach you select. The textbook includes many practical, skill-building tools to guide your progress. Checklists, writing projects, suggestions for further reading, and other features encourage you to apply what you've learned and go beyond the classroom if a topic is of particular interest to you. Each student text is packaged with a free Cengage Essential Reference Card to the MLA HANDBOOK, Eighth Edition.

Genres: Philosophy, Textbooks, Writing, Reference, Nonfiction

592 pages, Paperback

First published December 5, 2001

Reviews

[Kellie Cunningham · Rating 1 out of 5]

blechhhhhhh

[esther · Rating 1 out of 5]

ewww school

[Hilary "Fox" · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately, for me this book really failed to deliver.

It didn't go very in-depth into how to craft an argument and often left rather broad and vague instructions as to just what to do. The text itself was sterile, rarely engaging the reader and entertaining them. It lacked a cadence, and as such ended up being unbearably boring to get through.

I've heard it said that everything one needs to know about writing can be learned from three sources: The Elements of Style, On Writing by Stephen King, and a well-stocked bookshelf.

I'd argue that one would do better reading those two books and some classical philosophy than delving into a textbook such as this.

[Stephen Simpson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing. Although it gives a good overview on three different approaches (Classical, Toulmin, Rogerian) and delves into some of the common errors of reasoning, it fails to really offer much in how to actually craft a good argument. Writing is, ironically, difficult to learn from a book but this attempt does not add much beyond fairly sterile directions and axioms.

[Kristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad as far as textbooks go.