Argument Reading - Curious Writer

Kevin MakEnglish
102
Christy Vance

In the reading for this week Ballenger describes arguments and how it is an important way of communication. He describes how different cultures view arguments. For example Tannen uses the phrase, "cultures of harmony,"(203), which describes how some cultures, "view open conflict and disagreement as a threat to the group. That does not mean that people always agree, but arguing is indirect, and sometimes undetectable to Western ears," (203). His point is that in many cultures, arguments may be a large or small part of communication, therefore it is important to know the aspects of arguments.

In Ballenger's work he describes how everyone has their own set of beliefs and opinions that reflect how strongly or faintly a person may be in an argument. Feelings for an argument may show how much someone may be open to expressing these arguments and such. Ballenger also describes how arguments are helpful in investigations. In the beginning you start with a belief or hypothesis and use the process of argument to to reinforce the the belief. From this you can build your subject around whether it supports your information or denies it. Another important piece of information that Ballenger describes is backing up your claims. Using the word "because" after a claim helps to back up your statement(s). Going through Ballenger's work I learned that argument is important in writing because it is usually used to establish the truth. Many argumental subjects are learned from experience. Arguments are a part of everyday life and occur on a regular basis. From Ballenger's text I've read how to successfully show a strong argument and I will do my best to show it in my own argument paper.