Includes bibliographical references and index

"With a focus on real-world writing, including diverse media, a treatment of visual literacy, and an emphasis on the ethics of writing, the Fourth Edition of The Call to Write continues to break new ground in composition. Organized by genres--letters, memoirs, public documents, profiles, reports, commentaries, proposals, and reviews--this innovative rhetoric gives students the practice they need to write both in college and in the public sphere. Connecting writing to everyday life, including college and work, it shows students the impact of writing and gives them the skills to help them write well. A strong emphasis on public writing promotes civic involvement through writing--to inform the public, to shape opinion, to advocate change, and so on--while relevant, provocative readings help students to understand the concept of being "called to write" in response to a personal, community, or societal need."--Publisher's website