The market leader in argumentative rhetorics, Writing Arguments has proven highly successful in teaching students to read arguments critically and to produce effective arguments of their own. In its student-friendly tone, clear explanations, high-interest readings and examples, and well-sequenced critical thinking and writing assignments, Writing Arguments offers a time-tested approach to argument that is interesting and accessible to students and eminently teachable for instructors. Throughout the book, the authors approach argument rhetorically by emphasizing audience and context at every stage of the construction of an argument. Writing Arguments moves students beyond a simplistic debate model of argument to a view of argument as inquiry and consensus-building as well as persuasion, in which the arguer negotiates with others in search of the best solutions to problems. (description from amazon)