Effective Argument is a combined rhetoric and reader designed for freshman composition courses that focus on the writing and reading of arguments. Part One of the text offers students instruction on how to read arguments critically and to write them effectively. Throughout this section, specific argument techniques are reinforced with examples and frequent exercises.

Part Two offers more than fifty readings divided into four groups. “Speaking Up” presents twelve argumentative essays on various topics. “Taking Sides” offers nine pairs of essays with opposing claims. “Varying Voices” contains four groups of essays that explore different aspects of an issue. A final section of readings includes several classic arguments.