They say, I say

“Three Ways to Respond”

This chapter explains how you will respond to an argument and the three ways you may respond to an argument. One of the response options could be stating your opinion to the argument first hand, before you go into more context. such as “I agree, I disagree, or I am of two minds.” says the authors. This way people will know exactly what you will discussing, or arguing about. Another way is “Disagreeing and explain why” when you disagree with something you may have more to go with or talk about. When you disagree with something you have to tell your audience why you disagree, you should not just state your opinion and then end the argument. “You need to do more than simply assert that you disagree with a particular view; you also have to offer persuasive reasons why you disagree” says the authors. The other type of response is “Agree but with a difference”. “it’s important to bring something new and fresh to the table, adding something that makes you a valuable participant in the conversation.” says the authors. What they are explaining is that when you agree with whomever point, you could agree but then maybe ask a question about a point to give yourself individuality. It may be an opening to another argument as well.

“Distinguishing What You Say from What They Say”

Determine who and what is saying in whatever you are reading. You have to know who is talking and what they might be trying to say, so you can understand as a reader. The word choice of “I” is acceptable. We should be making persuasive arguments in any necessary form we need to in order to persuade.

“Planting a Naysayer in Your Text”

“Anticipate objections” “We are arguing you to tell readers what others might say against you, but point is that doing so will actually enhance your credibility, not undermine it.” When doing this you are pointing out maybe rumored flaws and owning up to them being true or false which shows a sense of character. When objecting something you should represent that objection in a fair manner. As well as sticking with your objections for a couple sentences you should answer any objections.

“Saying Why It Matters”

you should always answer the question “who cares” when making an argument. This gives it meaning. You should also answer the question “So what? This is why it is important and why the audience should care. For people who already know why it is important you will then try to be in more detail and explain steps to prevent. If need be.

In these chapters they were easily understood by myself. We have been taught this stuff our whole lives I believe. Or maybe not taught but we have seen or heard people arguing so it may come natural to us. We just never had a technical term or label over the individual parts. These chapters helped me dissect what really is going on in an argument.