New Directions is a thematic reading-writing book aimed at the most advanced learners. It prepares students for the rigors of college-level writing by having them read long, challenging, authentic readings, from a variety of genres, and by having them apply critical thinking skills as a precursor to writing. This emphasis on multiple longer readings gives New Directions its distinctive character.
The Second Edition represents a major revision. It contains two entirely new chapters and many new readings and activities in the other three.