The Call to Write

Written by noted composition scholar John Trimbur, The Call to Write promotes civic involvement through writing -- to inform the public, to shape opinion, to advocate chance -- while relevant, provocative readings underscore when and why citizens are called to write.

The Call to Write contains relevant, provocative readings that underscore when and why citizens are called to write, as well as instructional sections for successful writing in academic, professional and public spheres. A strong focus on public writing (or civic discourse) promotes the idea of writers as "citizens." The demands and challenges of writing in four broad areas are discussed: everyday life, school, the public sphere, and the workplace. Core chapters cover writing in eight different genres: letters, memoirs, public documents, profiles, informational brochures and websites, commentaries, proposals, and reviews. Samples of public writing-ranging from speeches, news stories, websites, and op-ed pieces, to comic strips, graffiti, listservs, and newsletters-appear in each chapter to inspire and educate. A new chapter on "Crafting Writing" makes it easier than ever to consult basic writing strategies that can be used in any genre, depending on the writing context, but are located in one section to make for easier referencing and use. The Second Edition offers new and expanded coverage of multimedia, including a brand-new chapter on writing brochures and Web sites, plus new information on Web rhetoric and Web culture. This hardcover version, also, includes a grammar handbook. For those who have an interest in social issues and would like to develop their reading, writing and critical thinking skills.