Viewpoints

"Viewpoints" is a thematically organised reader that offers diverse viewpoints on different themes and issues. Among the themes are Human Behaviour, Cultural Heritage, Work and Media. The book is known for presenting opposing arguments. At the end of each reading are writing assignments and an Internet feature, On the Net, that gives students the opportunity to practice their research skills. There are two opening chapters that give substantial writing and reading instruction. These chapters include the following features: "Preparing to Read", which teaches pre-reading questions; "Understanding the Content;" "Looking at Structure and Style;" and "Evaluating Author's Viewpoints," which give helpful information on reading an essay; and "Pursuing Possible Essay Topics," which advises students on selecting topics. "Viewpoints" fills a key niche on our reader list with its emphasis on opposing views and its clear, helpful instruction. While there are many readers of this type for the mainstream freshman composition market, this is only one of two readers on the market that fits into the low-level freshman comp/high-level developmental writing market.