Essentials of Argument

by Nancy V. Wood

This efficient and easily-readable book presents thinking and writing about argumentative issues in a clear format, enabling them to participate productively in all forms of argument, including those they encounter in school, at home, and on the job. Readers learn to identify personal and social topics, to form opinions about these topics, to analyze their potential audience, and to give successful written, visual, or oral reports. Topics include understanding argument, conducting research, argument theory (claims and proofs) and writing and presenting arguments. An excellent reference for anyone needing to communicate more effectively, whether at home or on the job.

Genres: Nonfiction, Textbooks

360 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2005

Reviews

[Shaun Oak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly a textbook that could vastly improve your argumentative skills after a good read. But before you pick this sucker up, ask yourself, do you face psychological and emotional stress on a daily basis? Do you wish you could just end it all, but not as quick as a gun shot to the head? Would you rather end it yourself than let the life drain out of you in 80 something years? If you said yes, then rejoice! Here's the perfect solution; it's as good as shooting yourself in the guts and letting your stomach acids slowly eat away at your body, but less expensive than purchasing a firearm! (Not to mention you can buy it on Amazon and have it shipped in a day or so.) Quite literally torture in the form of text, no one has ever managed to create a crash course on killing themselves so effectively other than Nancy V. Wood, because it happens just by reading the first few paragraphs! It's amazing, really, with each word that passes through your retina into your brain, the neurons trigger a signal that makes your bodily functions slowly come to a stop. It'll be the perfect present for your arch-nemesis; let them have a suicidal surprise on their birthday, or even Christmas day!

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just wrote a review on this and it got lost in the ether somewhere. The gist of it was: not bad for a textbook.

Three things I liked: organization, including placement and use of its essays; the essays themselves, which were widely varied, generally interesting, and good discussion starters; and the way the book encourages students to develop a single topic to use for multiple essays over the course of the class. I think it would be neat to see how the same topic lends itself to different styles of written argument. Although the flip side of this could be that the same topic might get boring after the first essay or two. I may have to give it a try to see which way it goes.

[Clint · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have the third edition of this book and I found it to be excellent for the classroom. It is clear and concise (245 pages). Plus it has helpful tools for both MLA and APA formats. You can supplement these tools with "OWL" produced by Purdue University or some other credible online source for questions of grammar, etc. Even though Wood provides some readings for students, you will need to find some essays that you would like your students to read. Otherwise, buy your bigger book, "Perspectives in Arguments." It comes with a plethora of essays for your students writing the "argument paper."