Writing Logically, Thinking Critically

by Sheila Cooper, Rosemary Patton

This concise, accessible text teaches students how to write logical, cohesive arguments and how to evaluate the arguments of others. Integrating writing skills with critical thinking skills, this practical book teaches students to draw logical inferences, identify premises and conclusions and use language precisely. Students also learn how to identify fallacies and to distinguish between inductive and deductive reasoning. Ideal for any composition class that emphasizes argument, this text includes coverage of writing style and rhetoric, logic, literature, research and documentation.

Genres: Writing, Reference

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

Reviews

[Smaro Chiona]

Rnrrwt

[Regan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first of the texts I'm reviewing for potential class use next year. I don't intend to read all of the texts from cover to cover but this book was exceptionally engaging and I opted to do the whole thing. While I don't know that I'll use it as a text, I will absolutely use items and ideas in my lectures.

* Very clear, conversational language and a quick read
* Points are made cleanly and directly
* Lots of cartoons and images to engage visual learners
* Short and inexpensive

I found myself getting bogged down in the last two chapters ("Deductive and Inductive Argument" and "The Language of Argument - Style") although I'm uncertain if that is due to feeling ready to just be DONE already or if they really were denser, less enjoyable chapters. I may go back and review them a few days/weeks from now to confirm.

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this for second year English in college. I'd recommend it for advanced middle school or high school instead. The book contains useful information and some interesting articles, essays, etc., which are given to show examples of this or that type of reasoning. There are many writing exercises as well, and perhaps if my professor had made use of them, I would appreciate this book more... not certain. Decent book, just not challenging or deep enlugh for college, IMO.

[Jodi · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a textbook. What else can be said?

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure where or when or why I got this book but I'm pretty sure I've had it over ten years. It was time to read it.

[سلمان · Rating 4 out of 5]

نحتاج كتب كهذه تُدّرس في المراحل الثانوية والتحضيرية. كتب تعلم الدارس آلة الفكر وصنعة النقد.

[Celeste · Rating 4 out of 5]

a good book for my Freshman comp class to use as a text