Why Write? An Anthology for English Composition

Why Write? An Anthology for English Composition equips students with the knowledge, skillsets, and applied practice needed to improve their academic writing, critical thinking skills, and research capability. The anthology provides students with engaging and thought-provoking readings, which are complemented by as-you-read suggestions, writing prompts, reflection exercises, and opportunities for discussion.

Unit I helps students understand who they are as writers and how to imbue their writing with their unique experiences, viewpoints, and strengths. They are introduced to exploratory writing, personal narratives, essay writing, the writing process, and strategies for improving written works with revision. In Unit II, students learn who they are as critical thinkers while also learning how to effectively and confidently construct and defend an argument. Unit III helps students understand who they are as researchers. They learn how research and knowledge can strengthen arguments, deepen personal analysis of works, and further develop writing effectiveness.

The second edition features a new fourth unit, which focuses on the practice of argumentation. The unit covers types of arguments, fallacies, oral arguments, and how to construct an effective argument.

An enlightening and practical anthology, Why Write? is ideal for foundational courses in English, composition, and rhetoric. It can also be used to support freshman orientation or student success courses and programs.