Interactions: A Thematic Readeris designed to help students discover meaning in what they read and to convey meaning in what they write. The text's readings and accompanying apparatus, which have been class tested and proven effective through five previous editions, guide students from a consideration of self to an awareness of how the self interacts with other people and phenomena. The diverse reading selections inInteractionsnot only create a stimulating context for reading and writing but also help students find their own voices. Almost half the readings are new to the Sixth Edition, and are accompanied by additional visuals and photographs throughout the text. There's also an increased emphasis on use of the Internet in both reading and writing, including revised Student and Instructor Web Sites. New!The Unit on "Friends and Mates" has been expanded to two units, and the Unit on Technology is now entitled "Technology and Media." Almost half of the featured readings are new, and there are at least two paired readings in each unit. The text features a strong emphasis on critical thinking in both reading and writing, and on collaborative learning. Readings represent a variety of genres and writing styles from authors of different ethnic and social backgrounds.