The Informed Argument

by Robert P. Yagelski, Robert Keith Miller

Praised for the way it introduces students to the elements of argument, the sixth edition offers more complete coverage of the Toulmin model, a new focus on problem solving, and a section on visual argument.

Genres: Textbooks, Nonfiction

703 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

Reviews

[Tom Schulte · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a college textbook.

As such, it has a lot of prompting questions on form and technique. These did not interest me. Rather, I did like the anthology of contrasting, thought-provoking opinions on such topics as mandatory drug testing (particularly in professional sports), gun control, capital punishment, censorship in schools, animal experimentation, and the value of a higher education.

At first, I thought a whole chapter chronicling analysis of “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” by Robert Frost, but in the end it was my favorite chapter for the arc of overly detailed musings to personal confession of the author.

From writing advice by George Orwell

(i) Never use a metaphor, simile or other figure of speech which you are used to seeing in print.
(ii) Never use a long word where a short one will do.
(iii) If it is possible to cut a word out, always cut it out.
(iv) Never use the passive where you can use the active.
(v) Never use a foreign phrase, a scientific word or a jargon word if you can think of an everyday English equivalent.
(vi) Break any of these rules sooner than say anything outright barbarous.

[Jonathan Guerrero]

Didn’t read cover to cover.

[Mike · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good so far. A thorough introduction into the art of argumentation. This should be a required subject for introductory writing.

[Benjamin Plume · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wasn't overly impressed with these essays.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I worked with Bob on this one, too. Lot of work... now it's in the next edition..........