Master the art of argument with a practical, classroom-tested guide.
This revised edition emphasizes turning theory into real skill, with abundant illustrations and exercises designed to help students think clearly and argue effectively.
This book integrates thought and style, showing how to analyze a question, gather and evaluate evidence, and present a persuasive case. It treats argumentation as a disciplined practice you can apply in writing, discussion, and debate, not just a set of rules to memorize.
- Step-by-step guidance on analyzing topics, defining terms, and identifying the key issues
- Extensive coverage of evidence, its types, and how to test its reliability
- Practical instruction on brief-drawing, presentation, and the art of the peroration
- Exercises and illustrations designed for classroom use over two or more years
Ideal for students and instructors in rhetoric, debate, and writing courses, this edition aims to make argumentation a meaningful, transferable skill.