More than ever, successful argumentation is a major part of academic success--and has plenty of real-world application in our sometimes contentious sociopolitical landscape. But some argument books get bogged down in technical jargon and abstraction--and that's where Practical Argument comes in. Bestselling authors Laurie Kirszner and Stephen Mandell make argumentative writing accessible with an exercise-driven, step-by-step approach to convey what students need to understand about argument, in understandable language. The short fourth edition includes a more contemporary and diverse array of readings than ever, as well as expanded coverage of visual arguments.