Essential Strategies of Argument is the complete rhetoric section (Part I) of Strategies of Argument, Second Edition. It offers thorough instruction in understanding, analyzing, and evaluating different types of arguments, guidance in writing effective arguments, and plentiful examples of professional and student arguments on current issues, as well as numerous editorial cartoons and advertisements.

This extensively revised rhetoric introduces students to techniques of critical reading and to various strategies of argument: types of claims, the Toulmin system, Rogerian analysis of audience, and inductive and deductive reasoning. Argument as a form of inquiry across the curriculum is highlighted in the unique Chapter 3, “Arguing across the Disciplines.” Also unique is Chapter 5, “The Role of Language in Argument,” which explores the relationship of argument to persuasion and the language of persuasion, including advertising and propaganda. Instruction in the process of writing arguments culminates in Chapter 7, ”Writing an Argument from Sources,” which includes two annotated student papers exemplifying MLA and APA documentation. Over 100 writing assignments appear throughout the text.