The Matters of Opinion series is focused as much on teaching readers how to evaluate and present written arguments as on providing information on the subject of each volume.The volumes have nearly identical layouts.áAfter an initial overview, these very short texts each address three specific questions dealing with the subject, providing arguments for and against each issue.áWith just a few pages for each side, the volumes do not go too deeply into any view.á That is not the point of the books.áEach question chapter ends with a discussion of the type of argument used by the author and how to look critically at that argument. A final chapter encourages readers to write their own opinion essay.áThese chapters are nearly identical in the volumes, despite the different authors.áThe only difference is in the examples used: building security, weapons in school, and zero tolerance in School Violence; exercise, food choice, and balanced snacks in Obesity.ááThe series has some technical issues. For example, Obesity shows a sample menu on page twenty-four with gibberish descriptions for the food.áWhile the volumes do a good job providing superficial information on their subject and offering further resources, they are designed as critical writing and reading guidebooks more than as information sources on their bibliographical subjects, and should be added to collections that need writing resources, rather than detailed volumes on the specific subjects.Beth Karpas.Tech Bytes. Norwood House, 2016. 48p. $26.60. Photos. Index. Glossary. Websites. Biblio.

Learning how to construct an argument for or against a topic can be a tricky business, and these books in the Matters of Opinion series do an excellent job of demonstrating how to write convincingly on a number of weighty subjects. Each title begins with a topical time line and an introduction to the issues that will be debated. Three opinion-based questions follow, each in its own chapter, with pro and con arguments as well as an explanation of a persuasive technique utilized by the chapter's essays, such as bias, testimonials, or the incorporation of primary sources. A concluding writing prompt outlines essay structure for the readers' own opinion pieces. Responsibility for curbing overweight populations is passed from the food industry, to government regulation, to dieting in Obesity, though exercise is glossed over. All the books are thoroughly cited, which serves as an added example of how to lend an argument credibility. Solid writing guides that lead by example.