SO WHAT?: The Writer's Argument

by Kurt Schick, Laura Schubert

Overview

So What? The Writer's Argument, Second Edition, teaches students how to write compelling arguments and explains why practicing argumentation is essential to learning and communicating with others. Practical exercises throughout each chapter reinforce this broader academic aim by focusing on the key issue of significance—helping writers answer the "So What?" question for themselves and their audiences. By showing students how their writing fits within the broader context of academic inquiry, So What?, Second Edition, encourages them to emulate and adapt the authentic academic styles, foundational organizing structures, and helpful rhetorical moves to their college classes and beyond.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780199949076
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	12/02/2013
Edition description:	Older Edition
Pages:	304
Product dimensions:	5.30(w) x 7.30(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Kurt Schick is Professor of Writing, Rhetoric, and Technical Communication at James Madison University.

Laura Schubert is Instructor of Writing, Rhetoric, and Technical Communication at James Madison University. She is also a faculty member in James Madison University's Writing Center.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 - What's the Purpose of Scholarly Writing
Chapter 2 - How Do Scholars Read and Write
Chapter 3 - How Do We Select and Use Sources Responsibly
Chapter 4 - How Do Arguments Work
Chapter 5 - How Do We Analyze Arguments
Chapter 6 - How Do We Support Arguments
Chapter 7 - How Can We Create a Compelling Thesis
Chapter 8 - How Do We Organize and Develop Arguments
Chapter 9 - How Can We Find Faults and Gaps in Arguments
Chapter 10 - What about Style
Appendix A - How to Benefit from Peer Review and Collaboration
Appendix B - Templates for Organizing Arguments

Editorial Reviews

"As I was reviewing this text, I kept imaging how well the "Consider This," "Try This," and "What's Next" exercises would work. They are relevant and practical. Many composition texts suggest exercises, but more often than not these suggestions are tantamount to college-level busy work. So What?'s exercises are ready-made for the college composition course."
—Eloise A. Whisenhunt, Young Harris College

"The accessible and fun style is compelling, as are the overall structure and range of topics that initiate students into academic culture."
—Greg Winston, Husson University

"The book's versatility is important. This is a text that Biology, Business, and English majors alike can not only can learn from but apply in their studies and in their everyday lives."
—Tyler Fleming, University of Louisville

"I mistakenly thought that this text would be just like They Say I Say, but I was wrong. This text is more engaging, more provocative, and more comprehensive."
—Kristi Costello, Arkansas State University

From the Publisher