Argument Today, 2nd edition

Published by Pearson (July 14, 2021) © 2022

  • Richard Johnson-Sheehan Purdue University
  • Charles Paine University of New Mexico

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ISBN-13: 9780137498147 (2021 update)

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Purchasing Instructions

This form contains two groups of radio buttons, one for Exam Pack purchasing options, and one for standard purchasing options. Only one option can be chosen for purchase. Any option that is selected will deselect any previously selected purchase option.

eTextbook access on Pearson+

ISBN-13: 9780137498147 (2021 update)

Unlock extra study tools in 19 subjects

eTextbook access + Study & Exam Prep monthly subscription on Pearson+

ISBN-13: 9780137498147 (2021 update)

In this eTextbook — More ways to learn

  • More flexible. Start learning right away, on any device.
  • More supportive. Get AI explanations and practice questions (select titles).
  • More interactive. Bring learning to life with audio, videos, and diagrams.
  • More memorable. Make concepts stick with highlights, search, notes, and flashcards.
  • More understandable. Translate text into 100+ languages with one tap.

eTextbook on Pearson+

ISBN-13: 9780137498147 (2021 update)

In this eTextbook — More ways to learn

  • More flexible. Start learning right away, on any device.
  • More supportive. Get AI explanations and practice questions (select titles).
  • More interactive. Bring learning to life with audio, videos, and diagrams.
  • More memorable. Make concepts stick with highlights, search, notes, and flashcards.
  • More understandable. Translate text into 100+ languages with one tap.

eTextbook on Pearson+

ISBN-13: 9780137498147 (2021 update)

In this eTextbook — More ways to learn

  • More flexible. Start learning right away, on any device.
  • More supportive. Get AI explanations and practice questions (select titles).
  • More interactive. Bring learning to life with audio, videos, and diagrams.
  • More memorable. Make concepts stick with highlights, search, notes, and flashcards.
  • More understandable. Translate text into 100+ languages with one tap.

Title overview

Argument Today prepares you to communicate persuasively and collaboratively in academic, career and other real-life settings. Less skilled communicators attack and defend, but you'll learn how to listen carefully, critically analyze all sides of an issue, weigh the available evidence, figure out what you believe, and express your ideas clearly. This approach is essential as virtual workplaces, social networking, and multimodality place us in continual conversations with others. In the right circumstances, argumentation will become a “habit of mind” that you can transfer to your other college courses, your career and civic life.

The 2nd Edition offers numerous enhancements and revisions to prepare you for success in today's world.

Table of contents

Part 1: Fundamentals of Argument

  1. Starting an Argument
  2. Generating Arguments
  3. Persuading Others
  4. Reading and Reflecting Critically

Part 2: Genres of Argument

  1. Narrative Arguments: Arguing with Stories
  2. Comparisons: Arguing by Comparing and Contrasting
  3. Causal Analyses: Arguing about Causes and Effects
  4. Visual Arguments: Arguing by Showing and Telling
  5. Review Arguments: Arguing about Performance
  6. Commentaries: Arguing about Current Issues and Events
  7. Proposals: Arguing about the Future
  8. Research Papers and Reports: Arguing Using Research

Part 3: The Research Project

  1. Researching and Discovering
  2. Crediting, Quoting, Paraphrasing, and Summarizing
  3. Using MLA Style
  4. Using APA Style

Part 4: Style, Design and Medium

  1. Editing to Strengthen Your Style
  2. Designing Arguments
  3. Presenting Your Argument
  4. Arguing in Virtual Spaces

Author bios

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