The Structure of Argument
Eleventh Edition ©2025 Annette T. Rottenberg; Donna Haisty Winchell Formats: E-book, Print
As low as C$39.99
As low as C$39.99
Authors
-
Annette T. Rottenberg
Annette T. Rottenberg, formerly assistant director of the writing program at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, has taught composition and literature at Chicago City College, SUNY at Buffalo, Duke University, and schools abroad. She is the author of Elements of Argument and The Structure of Argument.
-
Donna Haisty Winchell
Donna Haisty Winchell has directed the Freshman Composition program and codirected Digital Portfolio Institutes at Clemson University, where she was Professor of English. She has edited several freshman writing anthologies—including Elements of Argument and The Structure of Argument for Bedford/St. Martin’s.
Table of Contents
PART ONE Understanding Argument
*1. What Is Argument?
Why Study Argument?
Argument in the Twenty-First Century
DREW ALLEN AND GREGORY C. WOLNIAK, When College Tuition Goes Up, Campus Diversity Goes Down
The Purposes of Argument
The Elements of Argument
The Ethics of Argument
So, Why Write Arguments?
2. Critical Reading of Written Arguments
Prereading
Strategies for Prereading
GRETA THUNBERG, How Dare You?
Reading with an Open Mind
KATHLEEN KENNEDY TOWNSEND, JOSEPH P. KENNEDY II, AND MAEVE KENNEDY MCKEAN, RFK Jr. Is Our Brother and Uncle. He’s Tragically Wrong about Vaccines.
Reading for Content and Structure
Strategies for Annotating a Text
CHRISTOPHER ELLIOTT, A Tale of Two Airlines
Summarizing
Research Skill: Using Summaries in Research
OCEAN VUONG, Reimagining Masculinity
Evaluating
Strategies for Evaluating Arguments
*AIMEE PICCHI, More Kids Are Working Dangerous Jobs amid Weaker Labor Laws, Child Migration
Argument Essentials: Examining Written Arguments
Assignments for Critical Reading of Written Arguments
3. Critical Reading of Multimodal Arguments
Visual Rhetoric
Photographs
ERIK MCGREGOR, Candlelight Vigil for Mass Shooting Victims
MICHAEL CAMPANELLA, Friday School Strikes, August 2018
MARCO MERLINE, Fridays for the Future, Six Months Later
*DMITRY KOSTYUKOV, A Homeless Man and His Dog
JOSEPH PREZIOSO, A Standoff over Immigration
*COURTENEY COKO MOORE, Little Boy Holds Hand of Crying Classmate
Print Advertisements
Argument Essentials: Visual Rhetoric
*WORLD WILDLIFE FUND, You Can Help. Stop Global Warming.
*AD COUNCIL, It Only Takes a Moment to Make a Moment
Political Cartoons
*MATT WUERKER, Critical Race Theory
*PETER KUPER, Justice Weighs Truth
Graphics
THEWORLD.ORG, Tobacco’s Shifting Burden
GUTTMACHER INSTITUTE, Monthly Abortion Provision Study
Audio and Audiovisual Rhetoric
Television Commercials
*JEEP, Dents
Podcasts
Speeches and Debates
Argument Essentials: Audiovisual Rhetoric
ELIZABETH WARREN, Remarks at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate
Strategies for Critical Listening
Online Environments
Social Media
WILLIAM WHARTON, “Peaceful” Act of Compassion
Argument Essentials: Online Environments
Research Skill: Evaluating Online Sources
Interactive Websites
*AD COUNCIL, End Family Fire
Assignments for Critical Reading of Multimodal Arguments
4. Writing Argument Analysis
Argument Essentials: Argument Analysis
Writing the Thesis (Main Claim)
Argument Essentials: Writing the Claim for Analysis
Planning the Structure
Argument Essentials: Planning the Structure
Providing Support
Summarizing
Paraphrasing
Argument Essentials: Providing Support
Quoting
Research Skill: Incorporating Quotations into Your Text
Integrating Your Sources
Strategies for Summary, Paraphrase, and Quotation
Reading and Practicing Argument Analysis
JAMES W. INGRAM III, Electoral College Is Best Way to Choose U.S. President
HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT, The Science Facts about Autism and Vaccines (infographic)
BEN ADLER, Are Plastic-Bag Bans Good for the Climate?
LESLEY WEXLER AND JENNIFER K. ROBBENNOLT, #MeToo and Restorative Justice: Realizing Restoration for Victims and Offenders
DESTINÉE MILLER, Restorative Justice and the #MeToo Movement (student essay)
SABRA STAPLETON, How to Pick a President: Electoral College vs. National Popular Vote (student essay)
Assignments for Writing Argument Analysis
PART TWO Writing Argument
*5. Approaches to Argument
Aristotelian Rhetoric
Ethos
Logos
Pathos
Ancient Rhetoric Today
Argument Essentials: Aristotelian Rhetoric
CHESLEY B. “SULLY” SULLENBERGER III, We Saved 155 Lives on the Hudson. Now Let’s Vote for Leaders Who’ll Protect Us All.
LIZA LONG, I Am Adam Lanza’s Mother
Rogerian Argument
Argument Essentials: Rogerian Argument
MALLORY SIMON, Gun Debate: Where Is the Middle Ground?
SARAH SELTZER, Teaching Trigger Warnings: What Pundits Don’t Understand about the Year’s Most Controversial Higher-Ed Debate
Stasis Theory
The Stasis Questions
Stasis Theory Claims
Research Skill: Narrowing Your Research
The Toulmin Model
The Claim
The Support
The Assumption
Toulmin and the Syllogism
Argument Essentials: The Toulmin Model
ANGIRA PATEL, To Be a Good Doctor, Study the Humanities
STEVEN REINBERG, Embryo Selection May Help Prevent Some Inherited Disorders
Assignments for Approaches to Argument
6. Claims
Claims of Fact
Argument Essentials: Claims of Fact
Research Skill: Using Databases
AMY FROIDE, Spinster, Old Maid, or Self-Partnered: Why Words for Single Women Have Changed through Time
DOMTAR PAPER, Paper Because (advertisement)
Claims of Value
Aesthetics
Morality
Argument Essentials: Claims of Value
*DEVORAH HEITNER, The Very Common, Very Harmful Thing Well-Meaning Parents Do
*ANN HORNADAY, Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” Is a Supersize Masterpiece
Claims of Policy
Argument Essentials: Claims of Policy
JILLIAN PETERSON AND JAMES DENSLEY, What We’ve Learned about Mass Shooters Since 1966
*SARAH HUCKABEE SANDERS, Executive Order To Eliminate Woke, Anti-Women Words From State Government And Respect Women
Strategies for Reading and Writing Claims
Assignments for Claims
7. Support
Strategies for Reading and Writing Support
Evidence
Factual Evidence
Images
Research Skill: Evaluating Factual Evidence
Expert Opinion
Research Skill: Evaluating Expert Opinion
Argument Essentials: Evidence
KRISTEN WEINACKER, Safer? Tastier? More Nutritious? The Dubious Merits of Organic Foods (student essay)
*JOAN E. SOLSMAN, Movie Theaters Didn’t Die, but They’ll Never Be the Same Again
Appeals to Needs and Values
Appeals to Needs
Argument Essentials: Appeals to Needs and Values
Appeals to Values
Strategies for Evaluating Appeals to Needs and Values
RONALD M. GREEN, Building Baby from the Genes Up
SARAH GRIFFITHS, Why Having a Crush Is Good for You
Assignments for Support
8. Assumptions
General Principles
Widely Held Assumptions
Argument Essentials: Assumptions
Recognizing and Analyzing Unstated Assumptions
“Obvious” Assumptions
Intention to Deceive
Strategies for Recognizing Assumptions
THOMAS R. WELLS, Let the Anti-Vaxxers Have Their Way
Research Skill: Focusing a Research Topic
MICHAEL LEVIN, The Case for Torture
ROBERT A. SIRICO, An Unjust Sacrifice
Assignments for Assumptions
9. Structuring the Argument
Organizing the Argument
Defending the Thesis
Refuting an Opposing View
Strategies for Refuting an Opposing View
SHARON ASTYK AND AARON NEWTON, The Rich Get Richer, the Poor Go Hungry
Finding the Middle Ground
Strategies for Finding the Middle Ground
JACK BEYRER, Innovative Gun Control Idea Gains Support
Presenting the Stock Issues
JOHN R. KOZA, States Can Reform Electoral College — Here’s How to Empower Popular Vote
Argument Essentials: Organizing the Argument
Introductions and Conclusions
Writing the Introduction
Writing the Conclusion
Assignments for Structuring Arguments
PART THREE Strengthening Argument
10. Language
The Power of Words
Emotive Language
STIHL, Consumer Confidence (advertisement)
CHARLES PIERCE, CONSERVATIVE POLITICAL RHETORIC NOW HAS AN OFFICIAL BODY COUNT
Connotation
Slanting
Figurative Language
W. E. B. DU BOIS, Of Our Spiritual Strivings
Concrete and Abstract Language
Shortcuts
Clichés
Slogans
Argument Essentials: Evaluating Language
Strategies for Evaluating Word Choice and Choosing Your Words Carefully
*RACHEL SYME, Selfie: The Revolutionary Potential of Your Own Face
BARACK OBAMA, Remarks at Memorial Service for Fallen Dallas Police Officers
Assignments for Language
11. Definition
The Purposes of Definition
Argument Essentials: Purposes of Definition
SUNNIVIE BRYDUM, The True Meaning of the Word “Cisgender”
*LUCAS WRIGHT, Twitter Bans Dehumanization
Defining the Terms in Your Argument
The Limitations of Dictionary Definitions
Stipulation and Negation: Stating What a Term Is and Is Not
Defining Vague and Ambiguous Terms
Research Skill: Using Encyclopedias to Find Definitions
Definition by Example
Argument Essentials: Defining the Terms in Your Argument
Extended Definitions
Strategies for Writing a Definition Essay
ISHMEAL BRADLEY, Conscientious Objection in Medicine: A Moral Dilemma
BRIAN WHITAKER, The Definition of Terrorism
Assignments for Definition
12. Logic
Induction
Argument Essentials: Induction
STEVEN DOLOFF, Greta Garbo, Meet Joan Rivers . . . (Talk Amongst Yourselves)”
Deduction
Argument Essentials: Deduction
SEAMUS O’MAHONY, Are We Living Too Long?
HILLARY CLINTON, Remarks at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Women and the Economy Summit
Common Fallacies
Research Skill: Structuring Your Research with Generalizations and Specifics
Hasty Generalization
Faulty Use of Authority
Post Hoc or Doubtful Cause
False Analogy
Ad Hominem
False Dilemma
Slippery Slope
Begging the Question
Straw Man
Red Herring
Two Wrongs Make a Right
Non Sequitur
Ad Populum
Appeal to Tradition
Strategies for Uncovering Logical Fallacies
CHRISTOPHER CALDWELL, Drivers Get Rolled
WAYNE LAPIERRE, What Should America Do about Gun Violence?
Assignments for Logic
PART FOUR Incorporating Research
13. Planning and Research
Finding an Appropriate Topic
Invention Strategies
Evaluating Possible Topics
Strategies for Identifying Effective Research Paper Topics
Initiating Research
Keeping Research on Track
Research Skill: What Is Common Knowledge?
Sketching a Preliminary Outline
Strategies for Keeping Your Research on Track
Types of Sources
Research Skill: Popular vs. Scholarly Articles
Finding Sources
Databases
Encyclopedias
Statistical Resources
Government Resources
Other Online Sources
Multimodal Sources
Evaluating Sources
Relevance
Reliability
Research Skill: Evaluating Multimodal Sources
Argument Essentials: Evaluating Sources
Taking Notes
Note Taking and Prewriting
Working with Your Outline
Managing and Documenting Sources
Argument Essentials: Taking Notes
ALICIA OGLESBY, Safe Spaces
MEGAN YEE, Why “Safe Spaces” Are Important for Mental Health — Especially on College Campuses
14. Drafting, Revising, and Presenting Arguments
Reviewing Your Research
Research Skill: Reviewing Your Research
Avoiding Plagiarism
Argument Essentials: Avoiding Plagiarism
Building an Effective Argument
Argument Essentials: Checklist for Effective Arguments
Using Sentence Forms to Write Arguments
Argument Essentials: Addressing Opposing Arguments Using Sentence Forms
Revising
Oral Arguments and Presentations
The Audience
Credibility
Organization
Language
Support
Presentation Aids
JIMMY CARTER, Why I Believe the Mistreatment of Women Is the Number One Human Rights Abuse
15. Documenting Sources
MLA In-Text Citations
MLA Works Cited Entries
MLA-Style Annotated Bibliography
MLA-Style Paper Format
MLA-Style Sample Research Paper
ANNA HARVIN, The Place for Safe Space: Mental Health and the College Student Experience (student essay in MLA style)
APA In-Text Citations
APA List of References
APA-Style Paper Format
APA-Style Sample Research Paper
ANGELA MATHERS, The Controversy over Women in Combat (student essay)
Product Updates
- Ann Hornaday, “Christopher Nolan’s ‘Oppenheimer’ Is a Supersize Masterpiece”
- Joan E. Solsman, “Movie Theaters Didn’t Die, but They’ll Never Be the Same Again”
Authors
-
Annette T. Rottenberg
Annette T. Rottenberg, formerly assistant director of the writing program at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, has taught composition and literature at Chicago City College, SUNY at Buffalo, Duke University, and schools abroad. She is the author of Elements of Argument and The Structure of Argument.
-
Donna Haisty Winchell
Donna Haisty Winchell has directed the Freshman Composition program and codirected Digital Portfolio Institutes at Clemson University, where she was Professor of English. She has edited several freshman writing anthologies—including Elements of Argument and The Structure of Argument for Bedford/St. Martin’s.
Table of Contents
PART ONE Understanding Argument
*1. What Is Argument?
Why Study Argument?
Argument in the Twenty-First Century
DREW ALLEN AND GREGORY C. WOLNIAK, When College Tuition Goes Up, Campus Diversity Goes Down
The Purposes of Argument
The Elements of Argument
The Ethics of Argument
So, Why Write Arguments?
2. Critical Reading of Written Arguments
Prereading
Strategies for Prereading
GRETA THUNBERG, How Dare You?
Reading with an Open Mind
KATHLEEN KENNEDY TOWNSEND, JOSEPH P. KENNEDY II, AND MAEVE KENNEDY MCKEAN, RFK Jr. Is Our Brother and Uncle. He’s Tragically Wrong about Vaccines.
Reading for Content and Structure
Strategies for Annotating a Text
CHRISTOPHER ELLIOTT, A Tale of Two Airlines
Summarizing
Research Skill: Using Summaries in Research
OCEAN VUONG, Reimagining Masculinity
Evaluating
Strategies for Evaluating Arguments
*AIMEE PICCHI, More Kids Are Working Dangerous Jobs amid Weaker Labor Laws, Child Migration
Argument Essentials: Examining Written Arguments
Assignments for Critical Reading of Written Arguments
3. Critical Reading of Multimodal Arguments
Visual Rhetoric
Photographs
ERIK MCGREGOR, Candlelight Vigil for Mass Shooting Victims
MICHAEL CAMPANELLA, Friday School Strikes, August 2018
MARCO MERLINE, Fridays for the Future, Six Months Later
*DMITRY KOSTYUKOV, A Homeless Man and His Dog
JOSEPH PREZIOSO, A Standoff over Immigration
*COURTENEY COKO MOORE, Little Boy Holds Hand of Crying Classmate
Print Advertisements
Argument Essentials: Visual Rhetoric
*WORLD WILDLIFE FUND, You Can Help. Stop Global Warming.
*AD COUNCIL, It Only Takes a Moment to Make a Moment
Political Cartoons
*MATT WUERKER, Critical Race Theory
*PETER KUPER, Justice Weighs Truth
Graphics
THEWORLD.ORG, Tobacco’s Shifting Burden
GUTTMACHER INSTITUTE, Monthly Abortion Provision Study
Audio and Audiovisual Rhetoric
Television Commercials
*JEEP, Dents
Podcasts
Speeches and Debates
Argument Essentials: Audiovisual Rhetoric
ELIZABETH WARREN, Remarks at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate
Strategies for Critical Listening
Online Environments
Social Media
WILLIAM WHARTON, “Peaceful” Act of Compassion
Argument Essentials: Online Environments
Research Skill: Evaluating Online Sources
Interactive Websites
*AD COUNCIL, End Family Fire
Assignments for Critical Reading of Multimodal Arguments
4. Writing Argument Analysis
Argument Essentials: Argument Analysis
Writing the Thesis (Main Claim)
Argument Essentials: Writing the Claim for Analysis
Planning the Structure
Argument Essentials: Planning the Structure
Providing Support
Summarizing
Paraphrasing
Argument Essentials: Providing Support
Quoting
Research Skill: Incorporating Quotations into Your Text
Integrating Your Sources
Strategies for Summary, Paraphrase, and Quotation
Reading and Practicing Argument Analysis
JAMES W. INGRAM III, Electoral College Is Best Way to Choose U.S. President
HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT, The Science Facts about Autism and Vaccines (infographic)
BEN ADLER, Are Plastic-Bag Bans Good for the Climate?
LESLEY WEXLER AND JENNIFER K. ROBBENNOLT, #MeToo and Restorative Justice: Realizing Restoration for Victims and Offenders
DESTINÉE MILLER, Restorative Justice and the #MeToo Movement (student essay)
SABRA STAPLETON, How to Pick a President: Electoral College vs. National Popular Vote (student essay)
Assignments for Writing Argument Analysis
PART TWO Writing Argument
*5. Approaches to Argument
Aristotelian Rhetoric
Ethos
Logos
Pathos
Ancient Rhetoric Today
Argument Essentials: Aristotelian Rhetoric
CHESLEY B. “SULLY” SULLENBERGER III, We Saved 155 Lives on the Hudson. Now Let’s Vote for Leaders Who’ll Protect Us All.
LIZA LONG, I Am Adam Lanza’s Mother
Rogerian Argument
Argument Essentials: Rogerian Argument
MALLORY SIMON, Gun Debate: Where Is the Middle Ground?
SARAH SELTZER, Teaching Trigger Warnings: What Pundits Don’t Understand about the Year’s Most Controversial Higher-Ed Debate
Stasis Theory
The Stasis Questions
Stasis Theory Claims
Research Skill: Narrowing Your Research
The Toulmin Model
The Claim
The Support
The Assumption
Toulmin and the Syllogism
Argument Essentials: The Toulmin Model
ANGIRA PATEL, To Be a Good Doctor, Study the Humanities
STEVEN REINBERG, Embryo Selection May Help Prevent Some Inherited Disorders
Assignments for Approaches to Argument
6. Claims
Claims of Fact
Argument Essentials: Claims of Fact
Research Skill: Using Databases
AMY FROIDE, Spinster, Old Maid, or Self-Partnered: Why Words for Single Women Have Changed through Time
DOMTAR PAPER, Paper Because (advertisement)
Claims of Value
Aesthetics
Morality
Argument Essentials: Claims of Value
*DEVORAH HEITNER, The Very Common, Very Harmful Thing Well-Meaning Parents Do
*ANN HORNADAY, Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” Is a Supersize Masterpiece
Claims of Policy
Argument Essentials: Claims of Policy
JILLIAN PETERSON AND JAMES DENSLEY, What We’ve Learned about Mass Shooters Since 1966
*SARAH HUCKABEE SANDERS, Executive Order To Eliminate Woke, Anti-Women Words From State Government And Respect Women
Strategies for Reading and Writing Claims
Assignments for Claims
7. Support
Strategies for Reading and Writing Support
Evidence
Factual Evidence
Images
Research Skill: Evaluating Factual Evidence
Expert Opinion
Research Skill: Evaluating Expert Opinion
Argument Essentials: Evidence
KRISTEN WEINACKER, Safer? Tastier? More Nutritious? The Dubious Merits of Organic Foods (student essay)
*JOAN E. SOLSMAN, Movie Theaters Didn’t Die, but They’ll Never Be the Same Again
Appeals to Needs and Values
Appeals to Needs
Argument Essentials: Appeals to Needs and Values
Appeals to Values
Strategies for Evaluating Appeals to Needs and Values
RONALD M. GREEN, Building Baby from the Genes Up
SARAH GRIFFITHS, Why Having a Crush Is Good for You
Assignments for Support
8. Assumptions
General Principles
Widely Held Assumptions
Argument Essentials: Assumptions
Recognizing and Analyzing Unstated Assumptions
“Obvious” Assumptions
Intention to Deceive
Strategies for Recognizing Assumptions
THOMAS R. WELLS, Let the Anti-Vaxxers Have Their Way
Research Skill: Focusing a Research Topic
MICHAEL LEVIN, The Case for Torture
ROBERT A. SIRICO, An Unjust Sacrifice
Assignments for Assumptions
9. Structuring the Argument
Organizing the Argument
Defending the Thesis
Refuting an Opposing View
Strategies for Refuting an Opposing View
SHARON ASTYK AND AARON NEWTON, The Rich Get Richer, the Poor Go Hungry
Finding the Middle Ground
Strategies for Finding the Middle Ground
JACK BEYRER, Innovative Gun Control Idea Gains Support
Presenting the Stock Issues
JOHN R. KOZA, States Can Reform Electoral College — Here’s How to Empower Popular Vote
Argument Essentials: Organizing the Argument
Introductions and Conclusions
Writing the Introduction
Writing the Conclusion
Assignments for Structuring Arguments
PART THREE Strengthening Argument
10. Language
The Power of Words
Emotive Language
STIHL, Consumer Confidence (advertisement)
CHARLES PIERCE, CONSERVATIVE POLITICAL RHETORIC NOW HAS AN OFFICIAL BODY COUNT
Connotation
Slanting
Figurative Language
W. E. B. DU BOIS, Of Our Spiritual Strivings
Concrete and Abstract Language
Shortcuts
Clichés
Slogans
Argument Essentials: Evaluating Language
Strategies for Evaluating Word Choice and Choosing Your Words Carefully
*RACHEL SYME, Selfie: The Revolutionary Potential of Your Own Face
BARACK OBAMA, Remarks at Memorial Service for Fallen Dallas Police Officers
Assignments for Language
11. Definition
The Purposes of Definition
Argument Essentials: Purposes of Definition
SUNNIVIE BRYDUM, The True Meaning of the Word “Cisgender”
*LUCAS WRIGHT, Twitter Bans Dehumanization
Defining the Terms in Your Argument
The Limitations of Dictionary Definitions
Stipulation and Negation: Stating What a Term Is and Is Not
Defining Vague and Ambiguous Terms
Research Skill: Using Encyclopedias to Find Definitions
Definition by Example
Argument Essentials: Defining the Terms in Your Argument
Extended Definitions
Strategies for Writing a Definition Essay
ISHMEAL BRADLEY, Conscientious Objection in Medicine: A Moral Dilemma
BRIAN WHITAKER, The Definition of Terrorism
Assignments for Definition
12. Logic
Induction
Argument Essentials: Induction
STEVEN DOLOFF, Greta Garbo, Meet Joan Rivers . . . (Talk Amongst Yourselves)”
Deduction
Argument Essentials: Deduction
SEAMUS O’MAHONY, Are We Living Too Long?
HILLARY CLINTON, Remarks at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Women and the Economy Summit
Common Fallacies
Research Skill: Structuring Your Research with Generalizations and Specifics
Hasty Generalization
Faulty Use of Authority
Post Hoc or Doubtful Cause
False Analogy
Ad Hominem
False Dilemma
Slippery Slope
Begging the Question
Straw Man
Red Herring
Two Wrongs Make a Right
Non Sequitur
Ad Populum
Appeal to Tradition
Strategies for Uncovering Logical Fallacies
CHRISTOPHER CALDWELL, Drivers Get Rolled
WAYNE LAPIERRE, What Should America Do about Gun Violence?
Assignments for Logic
PART FOUR Incorporating Research
13. Planning and Research
Finding an Appropriate Topic
Invention Strategies
Evaluating Possible Topics
Strategies for Identifying Effective Research Paper Topics
Initiating Research
Keeping Research on Track
Research Skill: What Is Common Knowledge?
Sketching a Preliminary Outline
Strategies for Keeping Your Research on Track
Types of Sources
Research Skill: Popular vs. Scholarly Articles
Finding Sources
Databases
Encyclopedias
Statistical Resources
Government Resources
Other Online Sources
Multimodal Sources
Evaluating Sources
Relevance
Reliability
Research Skill: Evaluating Multimodal Sources
Argument Essentials: Evaluating Sources
Taking Notes
Note Taking and Prewriting
Working with Your Outline
Managing and Documenting Sources
Argument Essentials: Taking Notes
ALICIA OGLESBY, Safe Spaces
MEGAN YEE, Why “Safe Spaces” Are Important for Mental Health — Especially on College Campuses
14. Drafting, Revising, and Presenting Arguments
Reviewing Your Research
Research Skill: Reviewing Your Research
Avoiding Plagiarism
Argument Essentials: Avoiding Plagiarism
Building an Effective Argument
Argument Essentials: Checklist for Effective Arguments
Using Sentence Forms to Write Arguments
Argument Essentials: Addressing Opposing Arguments Using Sentence Forms
Revising
Oral Arguments and Presentations
The Audience
Credibility
Organization
Language
Support
Presentation Aids
JIMMY CARTER, Why I Believe the Mistreatment of Women Is the Number One Human Rights Abuse
15. Documenting Sources
MLA In-Text Citations
MLA Works Cited Entries
MLA-Style Annotated Bibliography
MLA-Style Paper Format
MLA-Style Sample Research Paper
ANNA HARVIN, The Place for Safe Space: Mental Health and the College Student Experience (student essay in MLA style)
APA In-Text Citations
APA List of References
APA-Style Paper Format
APA-Style Sample Research Paper
ANGELA MATHERS, The Controversy over Women in Combat (student essay)
Product Updates
- Ann Hornaday, “Christopher Nolan’s ‘Oppenheimer’ Is a Supersize Masterpiece”
- Joan E. Solsman, “Movie Theaters Didn’t Die, but They’ll Never Be the Same Again”
A concise guide to argument that’s accessible and affordable
The Structure of Argument teaches students how to approach, develop, and present arguments. It explains the fundamentals of argumentation: claims, support, assumptions, language, and logic. Practical and accessible, this guide carefully scaffolds argument for students, first modeling analysis and critical reading, then supporting students through guided practice using a variety of approaches to argument, including Toulmin, Aristotelian, and Rogerian models as well as stasis questions and multimodal genres. Brief readings on current topics model and reinforce the elements of argument while presenting opportunities for students to discuss and write about contemporary issues that affect their lives.
The Eleventh Edition of Structure of Argument reflects the increasing role of technology in student research and writing, including coverage of ethical generative AI usage, updated citation model sections, updated language around social media, and a new focus on online learning and conducting research online.
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Are you a campus bookstore looking for ordering information?
MPS Order Search Tool (MOST) is a web-based purchase order tracking program that allows customers to view and track their purchases. No registration or special codes needed! Just enter your BILL-TO ACCT # and your ZIP CODE to track orders.
Canadian Stores: Please use only the first five digits/letters in your zip code on MOST.
Visit MOST, our online ordering system for booksellers: https://tracking.mpsvirginia.com/Login.aspx
Learn more about our Bookstore programs here: https://www.macmillanlearning.com/college/us/contact-us/booksellers
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Our courses currently integrate with Canvas, Blackboard (Learn and Ultra), Brightspace, D2L, and Moodle. Click on the support documentation below to find out more details about the integration with each LMS.
Integrate Macmillan courses with Blackboard
Integrate Macmillan courses with Canvas
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If you’re a verified instructor, you can request a free sample of our courseware, e-book, or print textbook to consider for use in your courses. Only registered and verified instructors can receive free print and digital samples, and they should not be sold to bookstores or book resellers. If you don't yet have an existing account with Macmillan Learning, it can take up to two business days to verify your status as an instructor. You can request a free sample from the right side of this product page by clicking on the "Request Instructor Sample" button or by contacting your rep. Learn more.
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Sometimes also referred to as a spiral-bound or binder-ready textbook, loose-leaf textbooks are available to purchase. This three-hole punched, unbound version of the book costs less than a hardcover or paperback book.
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Achieve (full course) includes our complete e-book, as well as online quizzing tools, multimedia assets, and iClicker active classroom manager.
Most Achieve Essentials courses do not include our e-books and adaptive quizzing.
Visit our comparison table for details: https://www.macmillanlearning.com/college/us/digital/achieve/compare
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Achieve (full course) includes our complete e-book, as well as online quizzing tools, multimedia assets, and iClicker active classroom manager.
Achieve Read & Practice only includes our e-book and adaptive quizzing, and does not include instructor resources and assignable assessments. Read & Practice does integrate with LMS.
Visit our comparison table for details: https://www.macmillanlearning.com/college/us/digital/achieve/compare
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We can help! Contact your representative to discuss your specific needs for your course. If our off-the-shelf course materials don’t quite hit the mark, we also offer custom solutions made to fit your needs.
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The Structure of Argument
The Structure of Argument teaches students how to approach, develop, and present arguments. It explains the fundamentals of argumentation: claims, support, assumptions, language, and logic. Practical and accessible, this guide carefully scaffolds argument for students, first modeling analysis and critical reading, then supporting students through guided practice using a variety of approaches to argument, including Toulmin, Aristotelian, and Rogerian models as well as stasis questions and multimodal genres. Brief readings on current topics model and reinforce the elements of argument while presenting opportunities for students to discuss and write about contemporary issues that affect their lives.
The Eleventh Edition of Structure of Argument reflects the increasing role of technology in student research and writing, including coverage of ethical generative AI usage, updated citation model sections, updated language around social media, and a new focus on online learning and conducting research online.
Select a demo to view: