Incorporates the Critical Technique approach that provides a step-by-step technique for constructing and critically evaluating argumentative reasoning. Successfully integrates informal logic and critical thinking for those instructors who want the flexibility of teaching both. Chapter-opening quotes from rock music captures students attention. Narrative case studies, argumentative writing exercises and Reality Checks with everyday examples of argumentative techniques taken from advertisements reinforce chapter material. Mid- and end-of-chapter exercises are broken into three levels of difficulty to challenge students and aid instructors in evaluating student progress.