“Yes / No / Okay, But”: In this chapter, it explains how there’s three ways to respond to others’ ideas, although while still maintaining a focus on three main points. Those being agreeable, disagreeable, and the combination of both. It also explains how to never really jump into a conversation with mass amount of details, but rather just simply agreeing, disagreeing or both. Although, disagreeing can generate more ideas such as with something that was said, topic wise, or simply to generate a conversation. When disagreeing, there is something to keep in mind and that’s to always offer persuasive reasons when there’s a disagreement. When agreeing, it becomes a bit more complicated than disagreeing. There’s moves and contributions that can be added when agreeing, but keep in mind to never contradict yourself. Another example when agreeing can be taken from personal experiences, evidence, and claims that have been made.
I learned that when you are to disagree, that it means more than simply adding “not” to what an individual has said as it would just make you contradict yourself at the end. Proving them wrong and making them side with me is probably the best feeling that anyone can get and I’m sure everyone feels the same way.
“And Yet”: In this chapter, it reviews to always distinguish the differentials between what you say from what they say. It explains that when reading a text, the author usually drops a hint of a clue that a view is being attributed towards the writer or anyone else in that perspective. They come to explain Mantsios’s use of a direct tone by showing a switch in a voice. They explain it as a view that is actually true or real, rather than something that is merely true and or what others would consider “true”. When separating the difference from what they say to what you say; first-person should be avoided. There’s a way around this and that’s by using statements such as “she is correct”. This chapter also provides a trick when identifying who is speaking. It comes to show when using embedded references, it will allow us to economize the train of thoughts and other perspectives without any brief interruptions.
I learned that when distinguishing what is being said in the text to pay attention to voice markers as its an important aspect towards the reading comprehension to fully understand what is actually going on. Trying to say or pronounce certain words is important when reading, even when I’m writing or texting I say certain words differently to show what I really mean.
“Skeptics May Object” : In this chapter, it discusses that most or all writers have experienced and inexperienced the idea of someone criticizing an individuals assignment. Although, this can actually be taken as an advantage as it’ll support as feedback therefore improving the assignment overall. This chapter also states that telling readers what has been used or said against you would actually improve your credibility instead of ruining it. These arguments can strengthen your credibility therefore working for you rather than against you. It also goes on to explain that when bringing in entertaining objections, to not hurry past them, but rather stick with it and explain it thoroughly in a manner of paragraphs or several sentences. When it comes down to overcoming an objection, it is said to agree with parts of it rather than disprove what is being said completely. By doing this, it’ll allow you to stand your ground without complicating the situation.
I learned that when answering counterarguments, it is best to agree with some parts of it, because it’ll allow you to maintain your ground as this will allow you to make concessions without losing any ground at all. To show that they really had some good points and that I’m not just disagreeing with everything they have to say, so its easier for them to notice where my reasonings are coming from.
“So What? Who Cares?” : This chapter provides many key points that allow us to answer the phrase, “who cares?” and “so what?”. It’ll explore the differences between the two claims that are being said and whereas if they were to be accepted. When answering the “who cares?” phrase, it allows us to establish a contrast of what is actually being said in a text or book. When answering the “so what?” phrase, this allows us to answer questions on the larger scale. For example, arguments that are in a larger matter that individuals would consider important. Thus, addressing that both questions need to be answered in some kind of way. This will allow your audience to stay engaged, while closely paying attention and care on what is being said.
I learned that when answering these two questions, that it is completely necessary to go above and beyond when answering these questions. By doing so in every possible way as if you don’t, this will cause your audience to presume the questions on their own therefore making your hard work seem less interesting or unimportant.
The Cycle of Life 