29 accessible, engaging, and topical new essays — ideal models by a range of today’s best writers. Over one third of the book’s 79 reading selections are new to this edition, featuring both new and established writers such as
- Tina McElroy Ansa on growing up in Macon, Georgia, in “a world made up of stories.”
- Brian Doyle on realizing that many lives are “pregnant with divorce.”
- Salman Rushdie on seeing the Taj Mahal’s transcendent beauty in person.
Compelling new examples of argument. The argument chapter now features revised clusters on “Crime: What Constitutes an Effective Punishment?” and “Torture: Are We For or Against It?” A new cluster of selections examines “Advertising: How Does It Affect our Lives?”
A new chapter, Writing a Research Paper, offers a new documented student research paper, “To Facebook or Not”, and a more in-depth look at synthesis, summary, paraphrase, and quotation. It provides clear guidance on conducting research, evaluating sources, building a bibliography, and using the updated MLA citation style.
New coverage of reflective writing in the expanded chapter, “From Reading to Writing.” This section and a new sample student reflective essay show students how to connect personal experience to larger social issues, such as sustainability and media’s pervasive effects.
New visuals and a portfolio of advertisements for discussion. Photographs of the authors of each reading selection now accompany the biographical head notes. A new cluster of sample advertisements supplements the readings on advertising in the argument chapter. Cartoons and photographs enliven the text throughout and provide opportunities for critical thinking and discussion.