This reader contains twelve thematic sections, each featuring a "Main Event" reading and a companion assignment for critical thinking and writing. Each writing assignment covers a different type of writing--both academic and practical. The book discusses various preparation strategies so that its users can more effectively and efficiently put their thoughts into words--and their words onto paper. KEY TOPICS A variety of themes--Film and Television, Democracy in the Classroom, Dreams, Marriage and Divorce, American Cities, Technology, Your Body, Youth Culture, Biographies, Fairy Tales; The Justice System: and Jobs in the 21st Century--will appeal to a wide and diverse audience. For readers and writers who want to learn how to respond critically to a text, and generate responses of their own.