Rhetorical Précis on Good Reasons Chapter 1

          In “Reading and Discovering Arguments”, Chapter 1 of Good Reasons, Fifth Edition (2012), Lester Faigley and Jack Selzer predicate that there are certain measures that can be taken to make argumentative writing more affective, informative, and credible, regardless of the purpose or conjecture of the content.  The authors reinforce their assertions by exploring different aspects of productive argumentation, initially by defining an argument in respect to writing, along with their role in college education and the expectations of college students in writing argumentative work, followed by how one can argue tactfully, responsibly, and respectfully, accompanied by an alternative way to subjectively view a written argument and how to establish credibility and the self-image desired of one’s readers.  Faigley and Selzer intend to summarize the elements of calculated argumentative writing in order to prepare the reader for college assignments that supplicate responsible and persuasive rhetorical elements, in order for the student to garner professionalism and technique in their written work.  There is an underlying yet potent intonation that the content of the chapter is intended for those enrolled in courses that center on the skills and concepts established, giving examples, lists and charts that break down the information into very textbook, direct portions that are easy to access and understand.