Transform the activities you already use into openings for improving student thinking, helping them develop sophisticated reasoning skills that will improve their oral and written communications. Blending theory with practice, the book shares a wide range of classroom-tested lessons, including ways to understand argument in paintings and images, address ad hominem attacks using a traveling debate, create a class comedy club, write syllogisms, analyze character and plot development, and teach logic through a class Booger Patrol. It explains complex concepts in simple, practical language that will give you a deft understanding of the principles of good arguments, proper use of evidence, persuasive techniques, and rhetorical tricks.