Heightened emphasis on critical thinking as a reading skill is integrated throughout the book, culminating in a refocused final chapter. * Ten new readings keep the issues and themes contemporary * Easy-to-find vocabulary words and definitions enable students to comprehend information at a glance. * Exercises that require writing and a "Write About It" feature help build the reading-writing connection. * Dynamic introductions draw students into the chapter theme with intriguing visuals and provocative quotations and questions.