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14: Responding to an Argument

Last updated

Jan 14, 2025
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- 13.6: Avoiding Plagiarism
- 14.1: The Beauty of Response Writing

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Learning Outcomes

Distinguish between assessing the strength of an argument and offering an original idea
Generate relevant and original responses to others’ arguments
Demonstrate the ability to suggest an exception to an argument
Demonstrate the ability to extend an argument with an original point
Demonstrate the ability to suggest an alternative argument.

14.1: The Beauty of Response Writing
Response writing is empowering and useful in college, professional, and personal contexts.
14.2: “Maybe. We need to know_______”- Call for More Information
Pointing out where clarification or additional support is needed can help move the conversation forward.
14.3: “Yes, if…”- Suggest a way to limit the argument
Acknowledging an exception can help to defend against a counterargument.
14.4: “Yes, and…”- Suggest a way to add to the argument
If we agree, we can suggest further implications, give new reasons, explain why the argument matters, or suggest ways to publicize the argument.
14.5: “Instead, I would argue _______”- Suggest a change to the argument
If we don't agree, we can suggest an alternate claim to the argument or suggest a different way to frame the issue.
14.6: Common Response Phrases
A list of the common phrases for responding to an argument discussed in this chapter.
14.7: Sample Response Essays
- 14.7.1: Annotated Sample Response Essay- "Spread Feminism, Not Germs"
- 14.7.2: Annotated Sample Response Essay- "Typography and Identity"
14.8: Brainstorming Tool for Response Writing
A series of questions with sample phrases for different categories of response. The user writes answers they can later copy or download.

A man seated in an auditorium, gesticulating as he talks in an animated way — Image courtesy of ICSA from Pexels.com under the Pexels License.

Learning Outcomes

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