From Analysis to Argumentation in the First-Semester Composition

From Analysis to Argumentation helps beginning writers learn effective writing strategies.  The book is designed specifically for first-semester English Composition courses, but it can help anyone who is interested in writing more effectively and more professionally.

This book will help writers:

• discover important ideas through prewriting strategies
• organize ideas into meaningful and well-structured paragraphs and essays
• convey important life lessons in personal essays
• analyze and evaluate the quality and style of other written documents
• write effective thesis statements and develop supporting ideas in an argument essay
• incorporate information from credible outside sources in a responsible manner that avoids plagiarism
• convey thoughts and information clearly and accurately

From Analysis to Argumentation is organized into three parts.  In Part I, writers will learn to present their ideas in a variety of essay styles:  reflection, analysis, evaluation, and argument.  In each chapter, they will learn about characteristics of each essay style, read examples, try practice activities, and use writing prompts to develop essays of their own.  In Part II, writers will learn to incorporate and accurately document information from outside sources.  They will learn how to find sources, evaluate credibility, quote, paraphrase, summarize, and use documentation styles.  Finally, in Part III writers will learn to improve their writing with a review of grammar, punctuation, and sentence forms.

From Analysis to Argumentation is both a textbook and a workbook.  Each chapter describes an essay style and step-by-step writing strategies writers can use to develop their own essays.  Each chapter also includes workbook pages for writers to practice and perfect their writing.  Teachers who are planning to use this book in class or in a writing workshop may consider pairing this book with a collection of readings, and they can assign workbook pages as in-class or homework activities.