"As in the first eleven editions, in this twelfth edition we have aimed for a different kind of text--one that offers fresh examples of both student-authored and professional prose, one that takes an active role in helping students become stronger, more critical readers, thinkers, and writers. We have also tried to help students bridge the gap between the product and process approaches to reading and writing. Throughout, we describe possible sequences and structures but emphasize that such steps and formats are not meant to be viewed as rigid prescriptions; rather, they are strategies for helping students discover what works best in a particular situation."--