Elements of Argument 12e & Writer's Help 2.0, Hacker Version (Twelve Month Access): A Text and Reader

by Annette T. Rottenberg

Elements of Argument teaches students how to approach, develop, and defend arguments one element at a time. This comprehensive, accessible text carefully scaffolds argument for students, explaining approaches to argumentation (including Aristotelian, Toulmin, and Rogerian models as well as Stasis Theory questions), critical reading, and argument analysis. The major components of argumentation―claims, support, assumptions, logic―are explained in depth, and a robust research section shows students how to find, incorporate, and build on existing arguments. This Twelfth Edition has also been updated with more sourced readings than ever before, further reinforcing the importance of research and synthesis. Finally, the anthology includes debates and casebooks on unsettled current issues as well as timeless, classic arguments, making Elements of Argument a comprehensive resource for the argument classroom.

Elements of Argument is also available with LaunchPad Solo for Readers and Writers. By combining formative and summative assessments with opportunities to study, practice, and review specific skills, LaunchPad Solo for Readers and Writers provides instructors with a quick and flexible solution for targeting instruction on critical reading, the writing process, grammar, mechanics, style, and punctuation based on students’ unique needs. Students will gain confidence by working through sequenced units that guide them from concept to mastery. At home or in class, students learn at their own pace, with instruction tailored to individual learners.

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference, Philosophy, Writing, Textbooks, Academic, College

Paperback

First published January 1, 1985

Reviews

[Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

The eighth edition of a text that was used in a persuasive writing class I took years ago. I love this book and consider it a classic. Everyone should be familiar with the fallacies of argument, especially since we're subjected to them every day of our lives.

[Franky · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the obvious positives about this book is that it covers a great deal of ground. Not only does it take you through the ins and outs of argument, rhetoric, claims, and the writing process in general, but it also has some worthy, engaging, and applicable topics (gun control, social media, the dangers of sports, childhood obesity, etc.) as basis for what students can expect to both read and write about.

The Elements of Argument is a resource that any college composition student should have (if they can find a copy at a decent price, that is). It starts general, with a chapter on what argument is, and then shifts to being more specific with chapters that give advice on such elements as making a claim, backing up claims with support, researching, debating issues, documenting and research writing, and understanding multiple viewpoints of a topic.

While the topics and the tips are helpful, it would have been more beneficial to simply see more examples in action. There are many writing pieces from various accredited new sources (Los Angeles Times, New York Times, etc), but there are not enough practical examples of student writing in action of the aforementioned elements of writing. Element of Argument does offer some examples, but some are not as helpful as one would hope.

Still, despite this, there are many helpful aspects to this book, and I think it would be a solid resource for any student just starting in college and needing some helpful tips on beginning the writing process.

[Drew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this for a college class about Rhetoric, it was a perfectly fine book and it got the job done! Honestly didn't learn a ton of new information but I enjoyed reading a lot of the essays included in the book since they were often pretty interesting and covered a variety of topics from a bunch of different viewpoints.

[Jessica Zu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big, heavy textbook, but, a good one. I'd use it for a composition class if I were ever to teach. But it's really not a fun book to read, so I'd pair it with Writing with Style, just so that my students won't hate me for choose a practical but dense textbook.

[Brenna Gallagher · Rating 4 out of 5]

not bad for an english book lol