本散文集廣為各大學採用，共收集63篇簡練散文， 適作學生閱讀及寫作典範。
新版 Norton Sampler 依修辭寫作方法，共分 Narrative, Example, Classification &Division, Process Analysis, Comparison & Contrast, Definition, Cause &Effect, Argumentation & Persuasion and Classic Essays 十章編撰而成。
網站提供更多補充教材及問題研討。新版新增的以上短文，並收集近 十年內著名精采的短文。如：Stephen King, On Impact, Dave Barry, Guys vs. Men，每篇皆能引起讀者的興趣。
本書特別邀請作家 Annie Dillard，撰文詳述如何運用書中提到的寫作模式完成其著名散文 The Death of aMoth 的寫作歷程。
A trusted collection of short essays arranged by rhetorical mode—with charming, practical writing instruction.
With 71 readings (half new to this edition), well-written writing instruction (including templates to help students get started), and new navigation features that make it very easy to use, The Norton Sampler is a rhetorically arranged reader that practices what it preaches about good writing.