Navigating the Conversation: Templates for Introducing Perspectives

Abstract

“They Say, I Say”: Joining the Conversation Complete this Worksheet & Upload your completed copy to Blackboard by Midnight, Wednesday 3/30 Save file as: YourName-TheySayAssignment1.docx In order to learn how to effectively introduce ideas, you should certain standard “moves”: common techniques or strategies that you can use in any number of writing situations. In this exercise, you will learn how to use (and adapt) a number of templates (a formula, standard structure, or format that can be adapted and modified to fit many different situations) to help you express your ideas. How do you join the conversation surrounding your topic? “They say, I say” Begin with a conventional or popular view on your subject, then “respond” with your perspective & argument. For Example: Americans have always believed that elections should be free, fair, and democratic. But if our new electronic voting machines can be hacked, then our elections could be manipulated by dangerous forces out to undermine our democracy. “They say” our elections are free, fair, and democratic. “I say” hacking electronic voting machines could undermine our democracy. Exercise 1: Introducing “Standard Views” of what “They Say” Some basic templates to introduce the “standard” or “conventional” opinion on a subject – the views that “most people” or that a specific group is likely to hold. Americans have always believed that __________. Conventional wisdom has it that __________. Common sense seems to dictate that __________. The standard way of thinking about topic X has it that __________. It is often said that __________. My whole life I have heard it said that __________. You would think that __________. Many people assume that __________. Remember that these are just templates and can be endlessly modified. More important than the specific words is their function: to introduce a commonly held view on your topic so you can respond with your ideas. Pick one or more of the following topics (or choose your own): climate changeelectionsracism robots motherhoodthe United Nationsbeauty pageants nuclear war healthy foodsmilitary spendingthe stock market drug use Write FIVE (5) 1-sentence introductions on your topic(s) using the above templates or your own variations on them. Be sure to use a different template/variation for each introduction to the “standard view” on your subject. 1.________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ 2.________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ 3.________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ 4.________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ 5.________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ Exercise 2: Some Options for Responding Agree with reasonsDisagree with reasons -& provide additional evidence-& make counter argument -& apply to a different situation/case-& provide counter evidence (-but explain qualifications/reservations)(-but explain some areas of agreement) Agree & Disagree simultaneously with reasons -& explain limitations of different perspectives -& provide alternative explanation/perspective/evidence -& may agree more than disagree, or disagree more than agree For Example: (Agree) Americans have always believed in the importance of voting. For this reason, I donate to several organizations in the US that work to protect voting rights. (Disagree) Americans have always believed in the importance of...