For courses in Freshman Composition and Argumentative Writing. More perspectives on argument than any other concise writing guide. Best-selling argument author Nancy V. Wood in this, her latest text, offers a concise presentation of how to write persuasively. This efficient text provides instruction in reading, critical thinking, and writing about argumentative issues in a clear, student-friendly manner. Students will learn to identify topics of personal and social consequence, to read and form reactions and opinions of their own, to analyze a potential audience, and to write argument papers that express their individual view and perspective. Essentials of Argument, 1/E, contains ten chapters, each accompanied by class exercises and writing assignments. Research methods are introduced early; students learn to locate, print, and evaluate online materials and avoid plagiarism. Appendices teach MLA and APA styles, summarize major ideas about argument, and provide a list of 100 potential topics for argument papers.