The new and expanded edition of this short skills text elucidates key techniques and best practice for ensuring a cohesive, rigorous and convincing argument can be presented within an academic context. Appropriate for students across the disciplines, the author first deconstructs the basic principles that make good argument and then - using appropriate examples and case studies to illustrate - develops practical skills and techniques for students to apply in their academic career and beyond. Practical exercises encourage self-learning and application of the techniques.