The Well-Crafted Argument: A Guide and Reader

by Fred D. White

The goal of this two-part argument rhetoric/reader is to equip students with a complete set of skills (writing, arguing, reasoning, critical reading and thinking, researching) necessary for writing argumentative essays in a wide variety of contexts and disciplines. The Well-Crafted Argument uses a practical, accessible, skills-based approach to teaching argument while encouraging students to develop their individual voices and visions. Part One, "The Rhetoric of Argument," covers using the writing process when writing arguments, framing arguments using three main models (Classic, Toulmin, and Rogerian), reasoning and avoiding fallacies, critical reading and thinking, research, and documentation of sources. Integrated throughout this part are 16 sample arguments, including Thomas Jefferson's "Declaration of Independence" and Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "Letter from a Birmingham Jail. "Part Two, "Reading Clusters," is an anthology of 95 readings grouped into nine clusters. The first eight clusters cover controversial topics of current interest, such as downloading music files, national security, standardized testing, censorship, and media violence. Each cluster includes a wide range of contrasting (not just opposing) views. The last cluster features famous arguments, including Plato's "Allegory of the Cave," Jonathan Swift's "A Modest Proposal," Frederick Douglass's "I Hear the Mournful Wail of Millions," and Roe v. Wade. At least one student essay is included within each of the nine reading clusters.

Genres: Philosophy, Textbooks, Writing, Reference, Nonfiction

770 pages, Paperback

First published December 5, 2001

Reviews

[Kellie Cunningham · Rating 1 out of 5]

blechhhhhhh

[esther · Rating 1 out of 5]

ewww school

[Hilary "Fox" · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately, for me this book really failed to deliver.

It didn't go very in-depth into how to craft an argument and often left rather broad and vague instructions as to just what to do. The text itself was sterile, rarely engaging the reader and entertaining them. It lacked a cadence, and as such ended up being unbearably boring to get through.

I've heard it said that everything one needs to know about writing can be learned from three sources: The Elements of Style, On Writing by Stephen King, and a well-stocked bookshelf.

I'd argue that one would do better reading those two books and some classical philosophy than delving into a textbook such as this.

[Stephen Simpson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing. Although it gives a good overview on three different approaches (Classical, Toulmin, Rogerian) and delves into some of the common errors of reasoning, it fails to really offer much in how to actually craft a good argument. Writing is, ironically, difficult to learn from a book but this attempt does not add much beyond fairly sterile directions and axioms.

[Kristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad as far as textbooks go.