Reading Response - The Curious Writer

Iara Fernal
English 102
Christy Vance

This week’s reading from the book ‘The Curious Writer’, by Bruce Ballenger is all about Argument papers. The author works his way through all the different aspects of the process of writing an argument paper, giving examples of good/bad arguments, claims and analyzing them. In this chapter of his book Ballenger is mainly trying to make 2 different points.
The very first major point the author is trying to make is that arguments are not bad things; to argue does not mean to disagree to the point of getting into a fight. Ballenger is trying to explain to his readers that writing an argument is all about the process of gathering information, analyzing it and coming to an informed opinion on the subject.
The second main point he is trying to make is that writing an argument paper is always about looking for the truth about the statement/claim the writer is talking about. The claim should always be backed up by facts and liable information. The author should always present both sides of the story; however focus mainly on his/her own opinion.
This text was really helpful and it could not have come in a better time. It relates 100% to what we are working on in class, which is writing our argument paper. After reading this text I feel like I am almost ready to start writing and organizing my thoughts and opinions on the topic I chose. Ballenger’s text gave me ideas of how to start my paper and how to place and formulate my ideas and opinions.