Book Description
Designed to be a true alternative to traditional argument texts, Everything's an Argument takes a fresh and friendly approach to the subject by showing students that argument is everywhere. Everything's an Argument with Readings complements this approach with a uniquely broad range of examples -- from essays to billboards to emails to radio programs -- that help students recognize and respond to the arguments all around them. Andrea Lunsford and John Ruszkiewicz's instruction is fresh, elegant, and jargon-free, emphasizing inclusivity (moving beyond simple pro/con positions), humor, and visual argument to make Everything's an Argument immediately accessible. Students like this book because it helps them see and understand that a world of argument already surrounds them; instructors like it because it helps students construct their own arguments about that world.
Customer Reviews:
liked it.......2007-08-09
We didn't use this book that much, but what we did use of it, I liked.
Customer Reviews:
Good for the price........2007-07-11
Slightly bent and wrinkled but still usable, of course I got it used but it still worked for my English class.
Current issues and enduring questions.......2005-09-28
The book is just what I needed for class. Also I find it to be very helpful in writing papers
Customer Reviews:
Too Much of a (Potentially) Good Thing?.......2006-11-16
ELEMENTS OF ARGUMENT was selected as a textbook for a second-semester English composition course that I instructed for our local state university in the waning days of 2006. More or less the first half of the 866-page book is an instructional textbook and the second half is a collection of essays from a wide variety of authors from classical to contemporary.
Generally speaking, I found the textbook portion to be clearly and logically written, presenting in ten chapters most of the considerations involved in writing persuasive essays. These chapters include annotated essays that illustrate the processes of presenting a claim, supporting it, and being aware of the assumptions--the warrants--that affect both writer and reader. Additional short essays at the conclusion of each chapter are accompanied with generally good writing prompts for practice in writing short papers in response to the readings. Following these chapters are sections dealing with the writing of research papers and with citation formatting in both MLA and APA styles.
The numerous essays that are anthologized in the second half of the book vary greatly in length, topic and style. Throughout the entire book, contemporary essays tend to address topics of importance and interest to today's audience: racial categorizations, cloning, church-state separation, terrorism, rising college costs, torture, divorce, and so forth. The editors do not shy away from contentious subjects, and for that they deserve applause.
Let us look at the value of the book from two perspectives, first as it may be used in a controlled classroom environment and then as it may benefit an independent, nontraditional learner who is engaged in self-improvement.
As a textbook for a course in general composition, the book's focus on argumentation, or persuasive, writing obviously limits the focus of the course itself. Perhaps what is needed is a whole series of composition courses, each focusing on a different aspect of writing, of which persuasion is one valid type. In such an environment, ELEMENTS OF ARGUMENT would be, I feel, a fine textbook for the persuasive writing course. Alas, today we are lucky to get university students through no more than two semesters of composition, and much of that time must be spent in remedial grammar study. In this situation, I think our students would be better served by textbooks that combine composition instruction with a variety of literature types so that students can practice emulating more than just persuasive writing. Furthermore, it has been my experience that many schools change textbooks between the first semester's instruction and the second, even though most of the textbooks are entirely adequate in their scope and length to be used for both semesters. This means that fully half of each textbook goes unread, a terrible waste considering the cost of these texts. Under these practices, cutting the book in half so that students purchase only the instructional part, i.e., the 465 pages of the first ten chapters, would be a vast improvement and a benefit to students faced with increasingly insurmountable textbook and tuition costs.
Now, addressing the independent, self-motivated learner, I suggest that if one wishes to improve one's skill in persuasive writing, this is not a bad book with which to do it, although a skill such as writing effectively requires practice in doing, not simply reading about how to do it. The book is not designed as a self-help text, but reading the first ten chapters closely would certainly do no harm. As for the additional essays in the second 400+ pages, if one enjoys reading essay-style writing, this collection is sufficiently varied so that one can surely find quite a few essays to one's liking. Personally, I find that essay-reading becomes tedious after a while, and I long for at least a good short story if not a book-length work, fiction or otherwise-and I do believe that continual reading of a variety of literary styles does indeed help one improve one's writing, merely by exposure to interesting, well-constructed sentences. I doubt that I would find the motivation to read ELEMENTS OF ARGUMENT from cover to cover just for pleasure.
On an ending note, I found the associated CD, "I-Claim: Visualizing Argument," as well as the instructor's notes in the back of the textbook to be of very limited usefulness. I cannot truthfully say that inclusion of the CD enhances the value of the book to any appreciable extent. In short, if one is particularly interested in studying persuasive-style writing, at least half of the book may be of value; otherwise, I would invest my reading dollars elsewhere.
This is the most boring book.......2006-08-28
I have never read something that is so boring. It is somewhat hard to understand also. The writer uses many difficult words in the text. I still can't believe how boring this book is.
Elements of an argument.......2005-10-25
Excellent book that provides an excellent guide on how to present, state and support ones argument. Highly recommended.
Good Text.......2000-03-28
I found this book to be very help full for not only it's content but it's language and focus. Even though it could but you to sleep. I learned a lot about how to analize arguments not only oraly but on paper over all it's a great book and I would recommed it for any learning envirnmont.
Arguementative.......1999-03-12
This book introduces the important elements of writing and/or reading an arguement. However, I found while reading it I was in danger of falling asleep only to be awakened by its occasional sample arguement and sample advertisements that are intresting. I am unsure if this is just a difficult subject to write about, or what.
Book Description
Everything's an Argument's unique, student-centered approach to teaching argument has made it the best-selling brief argument text on the market. The book's engaging, informal style shows students first how to read and analyze a wide range of argumentative texts -- verbal and visual, scholarly and "real world" -- and then how to use what they learn to write their own arguments. Andrea Lunsford and John Ruszkiewicz's instruction is fresh, elegant, and jargon-free, emphasizing inclusivity (moving beyond simple pro/con positions), humor, and visual argument to make Everything's an Argument immediately accessible. Students like this book because it helps them see and understand that a world of argument already surrounds them; instructors like it because it helps students construct their own arguments about that world.
Customer Reviews:
Everything's an argument.......2007-09-30
Everything's an Argument was shipped in good condition as described. Unfortunately, I had need the Everything's an Argument with Readings. So just as a suggestion...please make sure the correct book is ordered....I did order the correct book and the amount of the wrong book purchased, was refunded to me. Thank you.
What junk.......2007-03-21
This is quite possibly the worst book I've ever read in my life. Pointless repetition page after page. This book justifies why some people unfortunately despise reading. In this case, it was like pulling teeth to read this trash. We all KNOW what this book tries to tell us. However, Lunsford feels the need to take a sentence, and expand it into 300000 more saying the exact same thing. Please do not buy this.
A Solid Resource for Persuasive Writing.......2005-12-31
This book is designed to be an undergraduate-level textbook in persuasive writing. I read the book to see if I wanted to use it as a textbook for one of my classes. I think it's a very good textbook.
Part One introduces the types of arguments and various forums, as well as introducing the importance of context in persuasive writing -- it really matters who you are speaking to.
Part two covers the specific kinds of arguments in depth - arguments from the heart (humor and emotion), and those based on character, values, and facts.
Part Three is the meatiest portion of the book, addressing the structure of arguments, such as Toulmin analysis, arguments of definition, evaluation, cause, proposals, and humor.
Part Four deals with the style used in perfecting one's argument in written language, visual presentation, and spoken performances.
Part Five is shorter and discusses issues related to evidence, fallacious arguments (such as ad hominem attacks or slippery slope arguments), and intellectual property issues.
I like the clear writing style of the book and the informative explanation. The best part of the book, however, is the excerpts and examples. They are modern, relevant, engaging, and the students will enjoy reading and analyzing them. The chapter on Fallacies of Argument was also very strong, as well as the issues related to evidence.
Some things I did not like were the review questions at the end, some of which seemed ambiguous and overly time-consuming. Also, though the title is catchy, I do not accept that EVERYTHING is an argument -- the "Buckle-up" sign on the highway is just a sign.
That being said, I think EAA can be used as an effective textbook if certain sections are used instead of the entire book. Also, more in-depth analysis of Toulmin arguments might be examined in other sources, as it is treated somewhat lightly here. Overall, however, it can be a strong resource to help teach persuasive writing.
I wouldn't if I were you..........2005-12-16
This book is irritatingly repetitive and needlessly jargon-packed. The essays are too shortly excerpted, and often uninteresting. If you wish to teach or learn only that the things we say, write, and/or do convey meaning, societal training, and possibly false assumptions on our part, this is your book (especially if you like very floppy bright red square things). If you would like to teach or learn more than that fundamental Toulmin-based premise, look somewhere else.
A short book that tells students something they need to know.......2005-11-23
I have taught argumentative writing for 10 years, and this book is among those I have required at various times. Contrary to the "big deal" attitude some students take toward learning that all communication is argumentative, understanding the pervasive use and misuse of argument strategy is extremely important. Students need to learn, for example, that there is no logical connection between needing a break and eating at a particular fast-food restaurant. More importantly, they need to learn that there is no logical connection between a person's military history or his thoughts on whom other people should sleep with and his ability to lead a nation. The overwhelming use of poor argument in mass media has led to a culture of unsound reasoners and college students who cannot even identify the claims and reasons in their own arguments (not to mention that they, apparently, can't spell argument or Toulmin or avoid sentence fragments). This text attempts to address both the practical concerns that students face and the higher-order philosophy that was once the provence of postsecondary education. It covers both Aristolelean deductive argument and Toulminic inductive argument, yet it is concise and clearly written. While it does not cover everything, its conciseness and clarity free class time for discussions of the topics it does not cover, such as understanding the variety of discourse communities represented in the academy and how to adopt different argumentative strategies to establish ethos within those communities. It is extremely difficult to take students who cannot write a simple declarative English sentence and in 32 weeks of instruction move them to a point from which they can negotiate the labryntian discourse paths required for academic, professional, and personal success. Texts such as this one help.
Book Description
This popular rhetoric/reader combines a brief, accessible introduction to argument with an anthology of provocative readings on contemporary issues.
Helps the reader write and understand various types of arguments, including visual as well as verbal arguments.
Anthology features more than 80 selections on topics such as privacy, globalization, science and ethics, the media and the environment.
General interest; Contemporary issues
Book Description
This combination rhetoric/reader helps readers develop strategies for critical reading, critical thinking, research, and writing that will help them argue clearly and convincingly. It teaches them to identify and develop arguments, to read and form reactions and opinions of their own, to analyze an audience, to seek common ground, and to use a wide, realistic range of techniques to write argument papers that express their individual views and original perspectives on modern issues. The Rhetoric portion includes clear explanations and examples of argument theory and reading and writing processes, research and documentation skills, and offers engaging, class-tested writing assignments and activities. The Reader portion includes 75 reading selections covering seven broad issue areas and 18 more focused areas, all of contemporary concern. Unique chapters discuss argument styles, Rogerian argument, and argument and literature. Material covered includes engaging with argument for reading and writing, understanding the nature of argument for reading and writing, writing a research paper that presents an argument and visual and oral argument. Readings cover a range of issues including those concerning families and relationships, education, crime and the treatment of criminals, race, culture and identity, freedom, war and issues concerning the future. For anyone interested in a clear presentation of argument theory applied to written, visual and oral forms.
Customer Reviews:
Perspectives on Argument.......2007-10-02
The basics of academic writing are fairly straightforward. We need clear reasoning, hence a clear explanation of the basics of logic and of fallacies. We need to explain to students how to select research materials, how to distinguish trade books from academically kosher texts, and so on. And we also need an efficient writing guide that addresses these issues. This is not such a text.
Firstly, the text gives thin and often confusing advice on logic. Where Wood discusses critical thinking and fallacies, the explanations are very short (just five pages of a 750 page text concern fallacies, for example) and there are no real- world examples of the fallacies discussed. As such, the relevance of basic logic to the art of critical reading is not really obvious to the novice. This is bizarre, given that many of the (non- academic) reading examples in the text(such as Rush Limbaugh on 'femi-Nazis') are basically wall to wall fallacious, and much of the right wing conservative nonsense in the text's reading section is simply not diagnosed as such. Further, Wood's explanations of basic logical concepts are inexplicably confused- she gets inductive and deductive logic quite the wrong way around (p.201)- an error that would get any critical thinking tutor fired. This paucity of clarity is evident in some truly shocking advice given the student: advice that rather rejects the whole principle of research and cogent argumentation in the name of some muddled epistemic relativism that holds that everyone has a unique perspective that deserves respect. In particular, she advises authors to not clearly articulate their arguments for a given proposition because "a stated warrant [premise] negates the rich and varied perceptions and responses of the audience by providing only the author's interpretation and articulation of the warrant" (p.139). This emphasis on such irrelevant issues as 'establishing common ground'and 'establishing the rhetorical situation' makes much of the text worse than useless in trying to teach what college writing entails and requires. In suggesting that the misreadings of the reader are more important than clearly articulating one's own argument, Wood is, quite frankly, talking rubbish.
The text does include some solid examples of argumentative writing (such as Martin Luther King Jr's "Letter from Birmingham Jail") but there is no real explanation as to why such texts are persuasive without being fallacious. Further, many of the better essays in the text are far more sophisticated than the body text, making the overall work feel quite unbalanced.
Geoffrey Roche
Tokyo, Japan
Anytime!!!.......2005-09-19
I would recomend business with this company - I would do business again at anytime. Delivery was fast and item was in described condition.
Thank you!
Book Description
This reader/rhetoric emphasizes the argumentative strategies readers need to analyze and write arguments. At the same time, it helps users see that Americans have always defined themselves and maintained a sense of unity—despite great diversity—through ongoing public debate about what America means. Selections reflect colonial times to the present, and include posters, photographs, advertisements, and court cases in addition to essays, poems, and stories that represent arguments in American culture, the art and craft of persuasion, writing essays, integrating research into writing, American dreams, justice and civil liberties, frontiers, war and violence, work and play, and family, identities. For those interested in argumentative and persuasive writing.
Customer Reviews:
Room for improvement.......2005-04-13
I have mixed feelings about this book. I strongly support the idea of presenting a broad range of arguments all related to one core issue, but I suppose I feel that this book didn't do a particularly good job at making that concept come to life.
Some of the topics, such as "Frontier," seem too broad to really stimulate much of a discussion, and also too rooted in history to have much of an application for opinions on modern issues. The layout and visuals are also not very well done, which will be a turnoff to the reluctant pupil.
That being said, there are many topics that are extremely relevant, such as war, family values, and civil liberties; these topics are illuminated by some great thinkers, such as Benjamin Franklin, Studs Terkel, and Gloria Steinem. There is also inclusion of some texts that you wouldn't think of as being centered around history or politics, such as an excerpt from "The Great Gatsby."
I haven't seen later editions, and I can only hope that they've improved upon this solid concept.
Great anthology!.......2004-02-12
I loved this anthology,partly because of the very useful introductory materials on arugment and partly because of the range of readings.The first four chapters of the book work as a good intro to writing essays, conducting research, and understanding arugment, and the rest of the book not only includes a great variety of readings, but also offers a number of visuals and student papers, both of which have gone over very well wtih my students.
A solid American argument reader.......2004-02-12
This text covers a range of genres and eras. The pedagodical approach enables instructors and students to focus on the core issues of argument without getting lost in the terminology of some models (i.e., Toulmin). More visual materials would be helpful but the book does address visual rhetoric in a way that emphasizes argument.
Not the best anthology.......2004-01-30
Maybe I'm just down on anthologies in general, but I didn't have a lot of success in teaching this text. Although it successfully presents perspectives from a number of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, the questions provided with the texts were frequently inane and the texts themselves were often cut in awkward and inappropriate ways.
Book Description
To the Point helps readers construct arguments by thinking about their own experiences, reading brief, current essays, and doing writing assignments. <P>
65 brief, thoughtful readings on fresh but significant topics provide invaluable models for writing arguments as well as dynamic issues for class discussion. Readings cover areas from cell phones to environmentalism, from human rights to love and marriage, from immigration to terrorism, along with five classic arguments from Plato, Jonathan Swift, Virginia Woolf, Rachel Carson, and Martin Luther King, Jr.
A series of paired Pro/Con readings (Part 2) look at contemporary issues show that there is not always one right answer to a problem or question. These Pro/Con readings cover the following issues: is rap culture too negative?; equal rights between the sexes in college sports; should animal rights compromise human needs?; limiting immigration; the role affirmative action should play in our lives; and capital punishment. Readings cover areas from cell phones to environmentalism, from human rights to love and marriage, from immigration to terrorism, along with five classic arguments from Plato, Jonathan Swift, Virginia Woolf, Rachel Carson, and Martin Luther King, Jr. <P> Anyone interested in learning how to develop good arguments.
Book Description
This classic work on critical thinking--now fully updated and revised--uses a novel approach to teach the basics of informal logic. On the assumption that "it takes one to know one," the authors have written the book from the point of view of someone who wishes to deceive, mislead, or manipulate others. Having mastered the art of deception, readers will then be able to detect the misuse or abuse of logic when they encounter it in others--whether in a heated political debate or while trying to evaluate the claims of a persuasive sales person.
Using a host of real-world examples, the authors show you how to win an argument, defend a case, recognize a fallacy, see through deception, persuade a skeptic, and turn defeat into victory. Not only do they discuss the fundamentals of logic (premises, conclusions, syllogisms, common fallacies, etc.), but they also consider important related issues often encountered in face-to-face debates, such as gaining a sympathetic audience, responding to audience reaction, using nonverbal devices, clearly presenting the facts, refutation, and driving home a concluding argument.
Whether you're preparing for law school or you just want to become more adept at making your points and analyzing others' arguments, The Art of Deception will give you the intellectual tools to become a more effective thinker and speaker. Helpful exercises and discussion questions are also included.
Customer Reviews:
Incredible book,incredible review.......2005-06-08
Exactly as Dr. Schweinsberg said. This text was a magnificent accomplishment. Reading some of the reviews, I was dismayed. I of course believed that there was some sort of miscommunication, or perhaps that the readers knew nothing of the subject, or that they simply didn't know what they were getting when they purchased the book. Whatever the case, I would suggest to anybody to read Dr. Michel Schweinsberg's brilliant review. His comical yet serious review offers advice to the argumentation student in words I can't achieve. With a playful attitude, he has delivered valuable information in the same spirit with which one should "weild" the tools in the text; that is, as a serious weapon, but done mostly for enjoyment and clarity of thought. READ DR. SCHWEINSBERG'S REVIEW, AND FOLLOW HIS ADVICE!
Argue Well.......2005-05-25
If you have ever been told that your arguments lack facts, structure, or logic, then this book is for you. Learning the skills to challenge and defend anything and everything is an art indeed. Highly recommend it for partisan zealots.
PenetratingArmenian
A Self Certified Blogspot Blogger
Good idea poor execution.......2004-07-14
The book mainly promotes the use of deception over reason. I know you're thinking, duh. But this is contrary to what the author says in the introduction. The deception is supposed to be used as a device to aid in learning informal logic, not as a tool to crush others. The author has a very aggressive and pretentious tone. Capaldi, the author, encourages people to be stubborn and uncompromising rather than problem solving. This book is classic sophism. I think the most valuable part of this book is the appendix. The practice problems are nice to look over. This book is effective at being uncompromising, but that is incompatible with being a good communicator. I should have borrowed this one. Since, I want my money back. -laughs- Also, the references to the "Great Books" by the author were interesting, but extraneous in my opinion.
Good Weapon Against the Trogs.......2004-04-22
The techniques outlined in this book are good when you are arguing against yahoos and troglodytes. If taken to heart, this book can help you can vanquish almost everyone you encounter in day-to-day life. Do NOT use these techniques against more skillful opponents or against sincere, intelligent questioners seeking real answers to important questions. These are powerful debater's tricks, not tools for getting to the bottom of honest inquiries. Caveat emptor.
Good Intentions, Faulty Execution.......2004-03-19
I appreciate what the author was trying to do: teach logic and rhetoric in a fun how-to-succeed format. I don't think it works very well, though. It's too disjointed to be helpful to the beginner and too familiar to be interesting to more advanced students.
For the beginner: To learn logic, start out with David Kelley's "The Art of Reasoning" and Irving Copi's "Introduction to Logic". To learn rhetoric and argumentation, try David Zarefsky's audiotape course on "Argumentation: The Study of Effective Reasoning" and his books on public speaking.
More advanced students will want to check out Chaim Perelman's books on rhetoric and Douglas N. Walton's studies of informal fallacies. An excellent but out-of-print book is William J. Brandt's "The Rhetoric of Argumentation" which gives detailed analyses of effective and ineffective rhetorical strategies in essay-writing.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent Book.......2007-03-02
Great book that gives very good advice for thinking critically while reading and writing. A big portion of the book is reprints of articles used as examples, but these reprints are good to read as exercises.
critical thinking, reading, and writing.......2007-01-09
the book came in great time and was in excellent condition. thanks
Absolutely worth your every second!.......2006-11-19
This is very comprehensive book for those serious in getting into critical thinking, reading and writing. Mr Sylvan Barnet lived up to his name by patiently guiding the reader through the fundamental of critical thoughts and common fallacies.
For those in research writing or working towards being a writer, Mr Sylvan Barnet provides step by step guidance on how to reference your works and highlighted what is really meant by plagarism.
There were excerpts from Utopia and Martin Luther King and many others which will definitely enlighten the readers and provide much thought and insight into relooking at our society!
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General
| Writing
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
Everything's an Argument
New Century Handbook, The (paperbound) (4th Edition)
They Say/I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing
The Bedford Handbook
Writing Research Papers: A Complete Guide (perfect-bound) (11th Edition) (Writing Research Papers)
