The "Aims of Argument" is a process-oriented introduction to argumentation with unique coverage of the aims, or purposes, of argument: to inquire, to convince, to persuade, and to mediate. In contrast to other approaches, the focus on aims provides rhetorical context that helps students write, as well as read, arguments.

Table of Contents:
*Indicates that the reading selection is new to this edition PART ONE, Resources for Reading and Writing ArgumentsChapter One, Understanding ArgumentWhat Is Argument?What Is Rhetoric?An Example of ArgumentDiscussion of "You Have a Right!"Four Criteria of Mature ReasoningWhat Are the Aims of Argument?Where are the Aims of Argument Used?A Good Tool for Understanding and Writing Arguments: The Writer's NotebookWhy Keep a Notebook?Notebook OptionsKeeping a Print NotebookKeeping an Electronic NotebookWays of Using a NotebookChapter Two, Reading An ArgumentThe First Encounter: Seeing the Whole Text in ContextThe Second Encounter: Reading and Analyzing the TextWrestling With Difficult PassagesUsing Paraphrase to Aid ComprehensionAnalyzing the Reasoning of an ArgumentThe Third Encounter: Responding Critically to an Argument Chapter Three, Analyzing Arguments: A Simplified Toulmin MethodA Preliminary Critical ReadingA Step-by-Step Demonstration of the Toulmin MethodFind the ExceptionsAnalyzing the ReasonsList the ReasonsExamine the ReasonsAnalyzing EvidenceNoting RefutationsSummarizing Your AnalysisA Final Note about Logical AnalysisChapter Four, Reading and Writing about Visual ArgumentsUnderstanding Visual Arguments"Reading" ImagesAnalysis: Five Common Types of Visual ArgumentsFOUR-COLOR INSERT (images 1 -- 7) Chapter Five, Writing Research-Based ArgumentsFinding an IssueUnderstand That an Issue Is More Than Just a TopicKeep Abreast of Current EventsResearch the NewsResearch Your Library's Periodicals IndexesInquire into the IssueFinding SourcesField Research Library and Online Research Internet ResearchEvaluating SourcesEliminate Inappropriate SourcesCarefully Record Complete Bibliographic InformationRead the Source CriticallyInquire into the SourceConsider How You Might Use the SourceUsing SourcesTaking NotesSuggestions for Taking NotesParaphrasingSummarizingCreating an Annotated BibliographyIncorporating and Documenting Source Material in the Text of Your ArgumentDifferent Styles of DocumentationInstructions for Using MLA and APA StyleDirect QuotationsIndirect QuotationsCreating a Works-Cited or Reference List PART TWO, The Aims of ArgumentChapter Six, Looking for Some Truth: Arguing to InquireInquiry and Interpretation in Academic WritingThe Writing Project: Exploratory Essay, Part OneConversations and Dialogue in InquiryInquiry Again: Digging DeeperThe Writing Project: Part TwoThe Writing Project: Part ThreeAfter Drafting Your EssayInquiry: Summing Up the AimChapter Seven, Making Your Case: Arguing to ConvinceThe Nature of Convincing: Structure and StrategyCase StructureCase StrategyThinking about AudienceFormulating the ThesisChoosing ReasonsArranging ReasonsUsing EvidenceIntroducing and Concluding the ArgumentThe Process of Writing a Convincing ArgumentChapter Eight, Motivating Action: Arguing to PersuadeWhen to Convince and When to Persuade: A Matter of Emphasis: Reading a Persuasive EssayPrinciplesUsing the Forms of AppealThe Process of Writing a Persuasive Essay Chapter Nine, Resolving Conflict: Arguing to Negotiate and MediateResolving Conflict and the Other Aims of ArgumentThe Process of Negotiation and MediationUnderstanding the Spirit of Negotiation and MediationUnderstanding the Opposing PositionsDefining the Problem in Terms of the Real InterestsInventing Creative OptionsGathering More DataReaching a Solution Based on Agreed-upon PrinciplesThe Mediatory EssayAnalyzing a Mediatory EssayThe Process of Writing a Mediatory EssayAppendix, A Short Guide to Editing and ProofreadingGlossary of Terms