From Inquiry to Argument

How do lawyers construct closing arguments? How do literary critics substantiate their original claims? How do op ed writers convince others that their arguments are valid and credible? The answers are clear: Through inquiry, research, analysis, and composition. From Inquiry to Argument blends inquiry, research, and argument by interweaving a discussion of argumentation strategies with instruction in critical thinking and research skills and with writing tasks important to research and argument. This book's approach gives readers a reason to research - to find ideas and information for their arguments - and also helps them build better arguments through analysis. This book covers academic documentation in both MLA and APA styles, while also addressing informal means of citation. Numerous professional readings, as well as nine writing samples, expose readers to different types of writing and provide a base for primary research. The coverage of argument addresses such related topics as critical thinking, logic and fallacies, and the appeals, and presents Toulmin logic as a touchstone for the discussion of argument. Lawyers, business professionals, instructors of critical reading and writing, and anyone else involved with formal or informal persuasive writing and debating.