students understand that writing makes things happen in the world. This collection teaches students how language operates and how it evolves over time―and this understanding, in turn, helps students use language more effectively in their own writing. The supportive apparatus includes unique Language in Action activities, which connect the everyday and the academic by examining current language-related debates that deepen students' understanding of each reading.

This beloved reader has stood the test of time and has been revised with feedback from instructors across the country. The new edition features a blend of classic and contemporary readings that examine a wide range of topics through the lens of language. New readings include a range of perspectives around current topics like fake news, gender-neutral pronouns, and the #MeToo movement.