book everything’s an argument

everythings an argument book by andrea a. lunsford

embark on a journey to master the art of persuasion and critical analysis with "everythings an argument," a seminal work by acclaimed scholars andrea a. lunsford and john j. ruszkiewicz. this essential textbook serves as a comprehensive guide, equipping readers with the tools to dissect the myriad arguments that permeate our daily lives, from casual conversations to complex media landscapes. it delves deep into rhetorical strategies, empowering you not only to understand persuasive techniques but also to construct your own compelling arguments with clarity and confidence.

everythings an argument summary

in "everythings an argument," lunsford and ruszkiewicz present a profound exploration of rhetoric, asserting that argument is an intrinsic part of human interaction. the book systematically breaks down the components of effective argumentation, guiding readers through the foundational concepts of classical rhetoric, including the persuasive appeals of ethos, pathos, and logos. it meticulously details various types of arguments—such as arguments of fact, definition, evaluation, causal arguments, and proposals—providing clear models and examples for each. beyond mere structure, the authors emphasize the critical importance of rhetorical listening, encouraging a nuanced understanding of diverse perspectives and the ethical considerations inherent in any persuasive endeavor. the text also adeptly navigates the complexities of visual rhetoric, multimedia arguments, and the ever-evolving digital landscape, ensuring readers are prepared to analyze and create arguments across a wide spectrum of contemporary media. by demystifying the process, "everythings an argument" aims to transform readers into more discerning critics and more effective communicators, fostering a deeper appreciation for the power and ubiquity of argumentation.

1. book name : everythings an argument
2. author name : andrea a. lunsford, john j. ruszkiewicz
3. genre : composition, rhetoric, writing, textbook, nonfiction
4. page : 608 pages (for 9th edition)
5. isbn : 9781319244484 (for 9th edition)
6. asin : 1319244483 (for 9th edition)
7. edition language : english
8. date of publication : november 4, 2021 (for 9th edition)

about the author andrea a. lunsford

andrea a. lunsford is a distinguished american scholar renowned for her significant contributions to the fields of composition and rhetoric studies. she holds the esteemed position of emerita professor of english at stanford university and is a faculty member at the bread loaf school of english. her extensive academic career includes leadership roles such as chair of the conference on college composition and communication (cccc) and chair of the modern language association (mla) division on writing, underscoring her influence in shaping rhetorical discourse. lunsfords research interests span contemporary rhetorical theory, the history of rhetoric with a focus on womens contributions, collaboration, style, and the impact of technology on writing.

everythings an argument faq

1. what is the primary goal of "everythings an argument"?

   the primary goal of "everythings an argument" is to teach readers how to effectively analyze the arguments they encounter daily and how to construct their own persuasive and well-reasoned arguments. it emphasizes critical reading, rhetorical listening, and ethical communication across various forms of media.

2. what are the key appeals of argumentation discussed in the book?

   the book thoroughly discusses the three classical appeals of argumentation identified by aristotle: ethos (appeal to credibility and character), pathos (appeal to emotion), and logos (appeal to logic and reason). it explains how these appeals are used, often in combination, to persuade an audience.

3. does "everythings an argument" cover modern forms of communication like social media and visual rhetoric?

   yes, absolutely. the book is praised for its contemporary relevance, dedicating significant attention to analyzing arguments found in visual rhetoric, new media, and multimodal forms, including social media posts, advertisements, and digital content, showing how arguments function in these modern contexts.

4. who is the intended audience for "everythings an argument"?

   this book is primarily designed as a textbook for college-level composition and rhetoric courses. however, it is also a valuable resource for advanced high school students, educators, and anyone seeking to enhance their critical thinking, analytical, and persuasive writing skills.

5. what makes "everythings an argument" stand out from other textbooks on writing and rhetoric?

   it stands out due to its engaging, informal, and jargon-free writing style that makes complex rhetorical concepts accessible. the book emphasizes inclusivity, humor, and practical application, demonstrating how arguments are present everywhere, not just in academic essays, and teaching readers to analyze and create arguments in a student-centered manner.