By pairing essays with other kinds of compositions -- a TV show, a news report, a photo, an ad, a cast-off grocery list -- "Convergences "asks students to respond to all kinds of visual and verbal texts. Its organization into six broad thematic chapters -- each of which is broken out into six clusters -- presents the materials in a way that is compelling and teachable. "Convergences "urges students to ask: Why did that author write that essay? Where was it published, and for what audience? What is the message of that poem? Why is that image on that Web site? Who thinks that joke is funny? How is that ad getting me to buy things I don't need? And, most importantly -- how do I make meaning of it all? With its full-color design, varied themes and texts, and helpful reading and writing support, "Convergences "inspires students to read the world in new ways -- and to respond thoughtfully in their own compositions.