Reading Response
After reading the articles, please respond to the following questions:
(1) Before making an argument, authors need to make sure their readers have background information and context. This might include a description of the issue, the different perspectives various groups hold, previous attempts to solve the problem, as well as recent events related to the argument, for example, recently proposed legislation. Compare and contrast the way two of the articles provide important background information for their argument. Where do the authors present the information? How much space in the essay does the author use to provide this context? Do they present the information fairly? What might their readers need to know that they perhaps leave out or do not address?
(2) Arguments are supported by reasons, and reasons are supported by evidence. For example, an argument that community college should be free might be supported by the reason that it would dramatically lower student debt. This reason — it would lower debt — would need to be supported by evidence. The evidence might come in the form of data, statistics, research studies, expert testimony, logical chains of thought, examples, hypothetical scenarios or even personal experience. For the evidence to be convincing it should be sufficient, credible, and relevant.
Choose one of the three articles that you feel presents evidence effectively. In a paragraph or two, provide specific examples of the evidence the author presents and explain why you feel it is convincing. Perhaps consider the following: What type of evidence is being used? How does the author bring multiple types of evidence together? Why is their evidence trustworthy? How much evidence is provided? Why is the particular evidence relevant to the argument? How does the author present the evidence effectively?
(3) Writers of arguments are most persuasive when they attempt to build bridges with readers of various ideologies, even those inclined to disagree with them. Julia Dhar makes this point in her TED Talk when arguing that the most persuasive speakers invite listeners into a “shared reality.” In a paragraph or two, compare and contrast the way two articles attempt to find common ground among readers of various ideological perspectives. How does each author build bridges with resistant readers (those on the opposite side of the political spectrum or simply inclined to disagree)? Select and describe specific arguments and/or passages where such common ground is built. Then explain how their attempt to build common ground strengthens their argument. How might it help persuade readers? In your opinion, did the author miss any important ideas that might further establish common ground?