THE DECISIVE WRITER is about decisions--the kinds of decisions writers make every time they express their thoughts on paper. This brief, first edition rhetoric prepares students to make good decisions by helping them understand that the process of becoming a better writer is simply a matter of learning to make more effective choices during the writing process. Visually oriented for today"s students, THE DECISIVE WRITER employs a theme in each chapter to connect the student essays, graphics, professional essays, and the writing provided. The elements of every chapter work together to prompt effective writing responses, and to help students understand the rationale behind the choices they can make.