Avoiding the technical jargon for which English professors are known and admired, this down-to-earth The Humble Argument presents argumentative writing in everyday language so that non-majors are more likely to understand these ideas and put them to good use.
Talks to "silly student writers" about how not to be a "knucklehead". I would prefer more on audience awareness. That said, i have never seen an other textbook which so clearly explains what is expected in a college essay and helps students figure out how to get there from there they're at. I can't imagine teaching freshman composition without this.
Few works written on composition and targeted at the college underclassman manage to strike a balance between authentic instruction and readability. This book does both remarkably well. Through rapid pacing, the insertion of humor, and a wealth of examples, Humble manages to keep freshmen and sophomores (many of whom despise writing) engaged in a text that teaches the skills they desperately need to successfully write the argumentative essay.
Four stars though it was boring at times it was the best "textbook" out there I would say on the subject. It took a relatively boring topic and made it funny and entertaining.