The fourth edition of the "New Millennium Reader" is intended for first-year composition, intermediate and advanced composition courses, and courses that consider the essay as a form of literature. The book introduces students to major traditions in essay writing, and explores the relationship between the writer's voice and stylistics features that express the writer's attitude toward his or her personal experiences. The text also provides guidance for students in developing skills in critical reading and writing, with a strong emphasis on argumentation.

"Taken from: The New Millennium Reader, fourth edition by Stuart Hirschberg and Terry Hirschberg ; The Prentice Hall Reader, seventh edition, by George Miller."

Introduction: reading in the various genres -- Reflections on experience -- Influential people and memorable places -- The value of education -- Perspectives on language -- Issues in popular culture -- Our place in nature -- History in the making -- The pursuit of justice -- The impact of technology -- The artistic impulse -- Matters of ethics, philosophy, and religion -- Glossary -- Gathering and using examples / Bret Lott -- Narration / Peggy McNally -- Description / Duane BigEagle -- Division and classification / Elizabeth Barrett -- Comparison and contrast / Martin Espada -- Process / Janice Mirikitani -- Cause and effect / Marge Piercy -- Definition / Alice Jones -- Argument and persuasion / Wilfred Owen.