The market-leader in argumentative rhetorics, Writing Arguments has been praised for its clear explanation of the Toulmin approach, separate chapters on reading and writing arguments, and a wealth of interesting student and professional examples.

Writing Arguments presents four approaches to argument: the enthymeme; Toulmin's system of analyzing arguments; the categories of claims; and the three classical appeals of logos, pathos, and ethos. Focusing on argument as a social act, the book treats argument as a means of clarification and truth-seeking as well as a means of persuading audiences, and shows students the power of inquiry and discovery.