The Well-Crafted Argument: A Guide and Reader

by Fred D. White, Simone J. Billings

Incorporating new articles, expanded commentary, and the latest changes from the 2009 MLA Handbook and 2009 APA Publication Manual, the 4th Edition of THE WELL-CRAFTED ARGUMENT guides students through the process of writing effective arguments across the disciplines. The two-part structure of this rhetoric/reader includes a complete pedagogical apparatus--with coverage of critical reading strategies, as well as writing, researching, and documenting a topic--and an anthology of readings grouped into nine thematic clusters. In-depth instruction, combined with real student writings, engages students and helps them discover their own voices. The Fourth Edition continues the visual emphasis from the 3rd Edition, while maintaining the authors' practical, skill-building approach. Each chapter in Part I ends with a "Summary," "Checklist," and "Writing Projects," while each cluster in Part II ends with "Connections Among the Clusters," "Writing Projects," and "Suggestions for Further Reading." These sections encourage students to apply what they've learned and go beyond the classroom if a topic is of particular interest to them. In addition to guidance on drafting and revising arguments, the authors provide a variety of composition strategies, including freewriting, outlining, and shared reading.

Genres: Philosophy, Textbooks, Writing, Reference, Nonfiction

797 pages, Paperback

First published December 5, 2001

Reviews

[Kellie Cunningham · Rating 1 out of 5]

blechhhhhhh

[esther · Rating 1 out of 5]

ewww school

[Jack · 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.