Mirror Images: Reading and Writing Arguments

Mirror Images of Argument is a comprehensive argument rhetoric with readings that explains reading and writing as mirror images of each other and helps students develop skills by intentionally connecting these two processes. 

Read what your colleagues said about Mirror Images in pre-publication reviews!

[The text] “provides one of the most thorough discussions of writing an argument that I’ve ever seen. The FRP [Focus, Reader, Purpose] is a very useful heuristic for helping students both read and write arguments. I also find the text does a great job of marrying theory and practice . . . . [I]n other words, it draws on classic rhetoric and contemporary argument theory, but presents it in a way that it accessible and relevant for students . . . . Finally, the text does an excellent job of helping students expand their vision of what actually qualifies as an argument — virtually everything. That alone is quite an accomplishment.”

Jeffrey Andelora, Mesa Community College

“I also like that the authors present multiple ways of analyzing argument and they present them . . . as different ways of framing our thinking. This is effective because students then realize that there isn’t one ‘right’ way to approach analysis of argument.”

Patricia Webb, Arizona State University

“This book’s main virtue — a clear progression of steps — makes syllabus-design foolproof.”

Phyllis Frus , Hawaii Pacific University

“The ‘Potential Problems in Arguments’ chapter is a great idea, and I believe that it would be very useful to students and instructors alike. Pointing out these problem areas before they become actual problems in student papers will enable students to understand what not to do before they do it and understand what they have done when they make these errors.”

Diana C. Gingo, Collin County Community College

“Engaging exercises . . . let students ‘try out’ their understanding of concepts before they may attempt the more challenging task of writing a sophisticated argument.”

Jo Ann Buck, Guilford Technical Community College

“‘Your Writing / Reading Process’ gently guides the student to consider revision positively.”

Paula Eschliman, Richland College

“By far the best textbook on argumentative writing.”

Kay Heck, Walters State Community College

“I would argue that this is the best explanation I’ve read of the revision process in a composition textbook in quite some time.”

Sarah Quirk, Waubonsee Community College