Everything's an Argument

Everything’s an Argument

• Genre: Nonfiction; academic; textbook
• Originally Published: 2007
• Reading Level/Interest: Lexile 1290L; college/adult
• Structure/Length: Divided into 4 parts, 22 chapters; approx. 656 pages
• Central Concern: The text discusses several forms of argumentation and how to understand, analyze, and construct arguments effectively. It provides a comprehensive overview of rhetorical strategies and the purposes of argument, aiming to enhance critical thinking and writing skills across various contexts.
• Potential Sensitivity Issues: May include examples or discussions of controversial or sensitive topics as they relate to argumentation; critical analysis of political and social issues

Andrea A. Lunsford, Author

• Bio: Professor of English at Stanford University; specializes in rhetoric, feminist theory, and the history of writing; former director of the Program in Writing and Rhetoric at Stanford; has conducted research on the state of writing instruction in America
• Other Works: The Everyday Writer (1997); The Presence of Others: Voices and Images That Call for Response (1997); The St. Martin’s Handbook (1989)

John J. Ruszkiewicz, Author

• Bio: Professor of English at the University of Texas in Austin; specializes in rhetoric and writing; known for his work in composition studies
• Other Works: How to Write Anything: A Guide and Reference (2006); The Scott, Foresman Handbook for Writers (1991)

CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Guide:

• Arguments Are Everywhere
• Presentation Persuades
• Argumentation and Society

STUDY OBJECTIVES: In accomplishing the components of this Teaching Guide, students will:

• Explore their pre-existing knowledge about what arguments are and how they are constructed to increase their engagement with and understanding of Everything’s an Argument.
• Read/study short paired texts and other resources to deepen their understanding of themes related to Arguments Are Everywhere, Presentation Persuades, and Argumentation and Society.
• Demonstrate their understanding of key concepts from Everything’s an Argument by revising an existing university resource on argumentation to reflect information from this text.
• Apply principles discussed in the text to the rhetorical analysis of real-world argumentation.