该教材以通俗易懂为指导方针，以范例、图表及练习等方式帮助学生掌握议文的框架、结构，使学生从段落中的结构入手，掌握段落层次中的句子的结构层次以及写作技巧，从而使整篇文章中的诸论(Introduction)，正文(Body)和论(Conclusion)的每个句子结构都达到严谨无误，取词精确。

本书内容包括：议论文的介绍、以图表形式展示出的文章框架及议论文的提纲、主题句的写法、结构，文章的整体规划和提纲的写法、选材的渠道、方法及如何把得到的信息运用到文章中、介绍国际英语议论文写作的两种标准、在选材中如何记录有用的信息、引用信息时如何避免剽窃等。

Pre-wriUng Stage

Unit 1

Short Presentation of the Argumentative Essay

 Part I : General Structure of Formal Writing

1.1 The Introduction

1.2 The Body

 Presentation of your case

 Anticipation of objections

 Graphic presentation of the body

1.3 The Conclusion

 The Common features of a conclusion

 Graphic presentation of the conclusion

 Part II : Outline for the Argumentative Essay

  1.4 General Presentation of the Argumentative Essay

  1.5 Linear Presentation of the Argumentative Essay(With Language Focus)

Unit 2

Arguing in Context

 Part I : Selecting Your Topic

2.1 Answering an Essay Question

2.2 Choosing Your Own Topic

 Part II : Mapping and Outlining

2.3 Concept Map

2.4 Methods for Creating Outlines

2.5 Outline Samples

 Part III : Answer Key

Unit 3

Finding Research Material

 Part I : Type of Information

3.1 Primary Source

3.2 Secondary Source

 Part 1I : Start Researching Information

3.3 Library Search

3.4 Online Sources: Using Search and Metasearch Engines

3.5 Using Catalogs

3.6 Using Directories

3.7 Academic Databases

3.8 Invisible Web Databases

 Part III : Evaluating Primary Sources

3.9 Inappropriate Sources: Scholarly Source vs Non-academic Source

Unit 4

Documenting Sources: MLA & APA Styles

4.1 MLA(Modern Language Association)

4.2 APA(American Psychology Association)

4.3 MLA Style

4.4 APA Style

4.5 Sample Paper: MLA Style

4.6 Paraphrase

Unit 5

Writing Notes from Research Reading

5.1 General Principles Concerning Note-taking  ...

5.2 Information That Needs to be Recorded

5.3 Note-taking from Reading

5.4 Classification

5.5 Listing Form

5.6 The Cornell Note-taking System

5.7 Note-taking Template ~ Example

Unit 6

Incorporating Research Material into Your Essay

6.1 Definition

6.2 Plagiarism

6.3 How to Avoid Plagiarism When Summarizing and Paraphrasing?

6.4 Summary

6.5 Using MLA Format to Incorporate Source Materials

6.6 Answer Key

Writing Stage

Unit 7

Constructing a Paragraph (I) Defining Terms

7.1 Debatable/Non Debatable Statements

7.2 Thesis Statement

7.3 Supporting Statements

7.4 The Counter Argument

7.5 Problematizing Statement

7.6 Answer Key

Unit 8

Constructing a Paragraph (II) How to Build YOUR Argument inside Your Paragraph

 The First Step : Identify Your Main Idea

8.1 Write a Topic Sentence

8.2 Choose and Arrange Your Supporting Statements

8.3 Use Evidence to Illustrate Your Point

8.4 Use Connectives

8.5 Write a Concluding Sentence

 The Second Step : Build a Convincing Case

8.6 Acknowledge the Opposing View

8.7 Shifting from the Opposing View to Your Main Idea

 The Last Step : Main Pitfalls to Avoid

8.8 Consistency

8.9 Logic

8.10 Starting Your Paragraph

8.11 Answer Key

Unit 9

Constructing a Paragraph (III) How to Revise Your Paragraph

9.1 Stylistic Problems: Formal vs Informal

9.2 Expressions to Avoid in Academic English

9.3 Common Conventions of Formal Academic Style

9.4 Language Signposts

9.5 Eliminate Wordiness

9.6 Punctuation Signals

9.7 Revise for Wordiness/Verbiage

9.8 Wordiness List

9.9 Answer Key

Unit 10

Write Your Introduction

10.1 Introduction: A Short Presentation

10.2 Main Features

10.3 Useful Expressions for "Focus"

10.4 Useful Expressions for "Clarifying"(Definition)

10.5 Informing/Focusing: Sample Analysis

10.6 Common Strategies to Start Your Essay

10.7 Language Summary

10.8 Main Pitfalls to Avoid

10.9 Introduction Samples

10.10 Answer Key

Unit 11

Write Your Conclusion

11.1 Main Features

11.2 Samples and Analysis

11.3 Modal Verbs and Adverbs

11.4 Answer Key

Unit 12

The Abstract

12.1 Understanding the Abstract

12.2 Abstract Samples

12.3 Answer Key

Post-writing Stage

Unit 13

Revision Process

13.1 Revise Your First Draft

13.2 Revision Checklist Graph

13.3 Revision Sample

13.4 Reinforce Cohesion and Logic

13.5 Revise and Proofread Your Final Draft

13.6 Peer Critique Revision Forms

13.7 Editing Revision Sample

13.8 Argumentative Essay Revision/Proofreading Sample

13.9 Answer Key

Unit 14

Essay Portfolio and Course Policy

 Part I : Essay Portfolio Introduction

14.1 The Content of the Portfolio

14.2 Outline Form

14.3 Essay Revision Form

14.4 Peer Critique Revision Form

 Part II : Sample of Policy on Plagiarism

14.5 Policy on Plagiarism at Chinese Academy of Social Sciences

 Part III : Grading System

14.6 Advanced Academic Reading & Writing at Graduate & Postgraduate Level

Unit 15

Appendices

15.1 Most Common Academic Vocabulary

15.2. Instruction Verbs

15.3 Lexicon of Key Terms Used in Questions

15.4 Guidelines for MLA Works Cited Entries

15.5 Works Cited Page: MLA Guidelines

15.6 Credits