For courses in English.

Learn the skill of rational argument.

Perspectives on Argument teaches you strategies for critical thinking, critical reading, research, and writing that will help you participate in all types of argument. The 9th Edition extends beyond reading, visual and multimodal argument into the timely topic of online argument. Students will encounter argument at home, school and on the job. This book arms you with the tools you need to identify controversial topics, form opinions and reactions to text and pictures, and write persuasive papers that express their viewpoints. The book also follows the premise that not all arguments involve right and wrong. Students will learn skills like finding common ground, consensus, withholding opinions, negotiating, and even changing beliefs when they can no longer make a case for them.

Perspectives on Argument, 9th Edition is also available via Revel™, an interactive learning environment that enables students to read, practice, and study in one continuous experience. Learn more.

1. A Perspective on Argument
2. The Rhetorical Situation: Understanding Audience and Context
3. Reading, Thinking, and Writing About issues
4. The Essential Parts of an Argument: The Toulmin Model
5. Types of Claims
6. Types of Proof
7. The Fallacies and Ethical Argument
8. Multimodal Argument
9. Rogerian Argument and Common Ground
10. Review Synthesis of Argument Strategies
11. The Research Paper: Planning, Research, and Invention
12. The Research Paper: Using Sources, Writing, and Revising
13. Argument and Literature
14. Summary Charts: Synthesis of Chapters
15. Families and Personal Relationships
16. Modern Technology
17. Education and Learning
18. Race, Culture, Identity
19. The Environment and Sustainability
20. Privacy and Security
21. War and Peace