Reading Response - "They Say, I Say"

Sheila Olson
English 102
Christy Vance
10/29/09
Reading Response – “They Say, I Say”

The authors of “They Say, I Say” make several useful suggestions on how to introduce an argument. They suggest that you make your stance on the topic known fairly early so the reader doesn’t get confused and wonder what you are arguing about or why. Their statement “but why did the speaker need to make it in the first place?”(17), is a question you don’t want your reader to ask. Inform the reader of what your opposition is saying.
You shouldn’t avoid taking a stance or disputing someone else’s view for fear of offending them, they didn’t avoid stating their view. The author’s put it this way “no reason why disagreements need to take the form of personal put-downs”(56). Explain why you disagree with someone, and support your stance with reasons or evidence of your feelings.
Also, don’t argue just for the sake of arguing. As stated by the authors, “you need to demonstrate that you yourself have something to contribute”(54). Try to persuade the reader to your point of view by showing the research that lead you to your opinion on the subject. Convince the reader why your stance is the correct one.
Overall, the reading will be helpful in organizing the layout of my argument paper. The templates on how to frame agreements, disagreements, or both will also be useful ways to transition opposing views.