This text investigates the intersection of analytical reading and the development of original student writing through the use of curated literary models. Author Jean Wyrick, a recognized educator in the field of composition, provides a framework that bridges the gap between consuming diverse texts and producing academic prose. The book argues that by engaging with provocative essays, stories, and poems, students can cultivate the critical thinking skills necessary to formulate and articulate their own unique perspectives.

Educators frequently utilize this anthology as a foundational resource for college-level composition courses to stimulate classroom discourse. The text is noted for its balanced selection of accessible yet intellectually demanding readings that serve as effective templates for student writers.