JOURNAL # 14: Read: TS/IS pp. 82-93—“Planting the Naysayer in Your Text.” Respond to the text: What is interesting, helpful, curious, insightful about the chapter?
JOURNAL # 14: Read: TS/IS pp. 82-93—“Planting the Naysayer in Your Text.” Respond to the text: What is interesting, helpful, curious, insightful about the chapter?
12 thoughts on “JOURNAL # 14: Read: TS/IS pp. 82-93—“Planting the Naysayer in Your Text.” Respond to the text: What is interesting, helpful, curious, insightful about the chapter? ”
This chapter once again like in previous ones talk about what “they” say. In particular the people that for their own personal reasons don’t agree with the point that you are trying to make. Here it talked about the naysayers and the people that disagree with your point. It also discussed about how to talk about their views and show their thought process, and then persuade the audience to try and agree with yours and change your mind. Not by talking down on the naysayers, remember the goal is to try and persuade and not “bully” the readers for believing the prior argument to begin with. It also talked about saying who the naysayers are and identifying them and why they may be making the points they are. It also talked about entertaining the view of the opposing party to help strengthen your argument. It also mentioned not to stereotype the naysayers to help validate you as a writer, as someone who will hear everyone out.
As I read chapter “Planting the Naysayer in Your Text” from They Say I Say, I found myself interested in a couple different ideas that were presented throughout the chapter. Right from the first page I thought the idea that criticism can actually work to our advantage. Instead of being upset by the critics, we can use their hateful words to make our work stronger which can even give them less to critic. By being aware and acknowledging the opposing opinions we can then add a counter agrument into our work and make it a stronger piece. On page 83 the quote, “Once you see writing as an act of entering a conversation, you should also see how opposing arguments can work for you rather than against you” really opened my eyes because it makes sense how we should add our criticism right into our papers so critics arent even able to make their opinions afterwards since we already explained their opinions and counteracted them. The templates were very useful because they gave me a physical example of how to effectively execute the idea of adding the naysayer in my work. The templates are set up in a way where I can easily switch around the words to fit into my papers as well. One of the templates explained how to name the naysayers without disrespectfully labelling or stereotyping them because that can cause backlash. A template also showed me how to casually introduce an objection which can be a good tool to make sure you work doesn’t look like youre too focused on proving the opposing side wrong. This chapter also gives inciteful ways to represent objections fairly so we don’t mock anothers’ opinion and to answer the objections successfully and persuasively to make sure the reader doesn’t end up agreeing with the opposing argument rather than yours. It was also apparent that we should make sure to stand our ground with our argument by making concessions and the most productive arguments end with a solution that incorporates both sides.
I think that these pages of writing are very beneficial to having a complete argument no matter the topic you are trying to write about. Being able to bring in the opposite or alternative perspective into your writing can be beneficial in some cases and necessary in others. As the book says it is almost close minded to not consider the other side of what you are advocating for in your writing, and it will weaken your argument significantly if the essay is not rounded out. I think that the templates in the book are okay, but I often find a part of my writing process where I am reluctant to dedicate a paragraph, or in some cases more, to an alternative perspective. Normally going after the body paragraphs of your writing, I find it almost tasking to have to reverse what you have said, even if it supports your writing. I have written lots of essays in highschool in which alternative perspectives were required. For the most part all of my history research essays required alternative perspectives to be considered strong arguments regardless of the topic. I think a lot of the templates further into the text are very argument oriented, almost to fit in a verbal disagreement. For the most part I think that my writing hardly goes into argumentative disagreement. I like the first couple pages when the book outlines the fact that having this alternative perspective or naysay, will add to the depth and validity of the point you’re trying to pursue. Thinking openly and writing to reflect that is important to be able to connect with all readers. I think this is a valuable thing to have in both conversation and writing.
When looking at the writer Jane Tompkins style of writing, we are able to depict a few very distinct features that help move a paragraph along especially when in conversation with someone else, she uses anticipation as a way to plan her responses so that she is still focused on the discussion but continues to add insightful information during this process as well. I really appreciated how she had mentioned that even when several weeks into a project, she would wake in the middle of the night in a panic because she believes her writing critics will find something she had not thought of yet and people would be driven away from her readings but in reality, those ideas are used to change the infrastructure and rearrange the style of the paragraph or flow of the content. When these “naysayers” read or disagree with an article, it is important to keep these “labels on them and yes I agree with the authors perspective by saying labels have to be used at appropriate times, such as categorizing, students by grade or age of a youth sports team, not just in your writing. Another strategy that was intriguing to me was the way to disagree informally, this is when I believe you are able to raise question or add to the conversation by possibly asking someone if X would fit better in the writing or if they had really meant to say this instead of X. in conclusion I enjoyed having the opportunity to read and engage with some of the different styles of “argumentative” writing and will try to implicate some of these strategies in my future works of writing especially when comparing and contrasting the two sides of an argument.
rgument, causing concern that those with opposing views will blow right through the author’s side of the argument. It then goes to say that in remembering these points that were previously not included, the writing has only begun. This is something that struck me immediately as I was reading, because when I write I tend to attempt to view the overall topic in every way that I possibly can. In doing so I am able to address all the points that the majority of readers would also attempt to make, making my piece of writing extremely strong/convincing. By seeing all of the possible variations of the argument, there usually is no basis for others to form their argument on. However, the reading also mentioned that when an opposing argument is made, it is not always best to completely disagree with it. Rather, we should consider, or try to understand part of their argument, in order to best explain your own point of view/why you disagree. By challenging only what you disagree with, the reader/audience will not be offended but much more understanding. When demonstrating your understanding of the opposing side, it is important explain in depth that way you are giving both sides a fair opportunity. These are all things I heavily acknowledge in my writing, and after this reading I feel that this makes much more sense to me than before.
In this section of “They Say/I Say” the author talked about incorporating “naysayers” into our writing. I found this perspective to be quite interesting since I never put much thought into doing so before. The more I read the more I agreed with what the author was saying. Incorporating critiques, no matter how harsh, can strengthen not just your writing but also your credibility. Using the harsh words of the critics can also “disarm them” as the author says. Not only that, but it would also lead you to write about both sides or a counterargument perhaps, which can entertain the readers more. There are many more benefits to using what the naysayer has to say. One of those that can be useful, especially for students is that it can help meet their word count. Adding a counterargument and adding your critiques can give you more material to work with and overall lengthen an essay. After reading this section, I feel that I have learned something very valuable that I can use many times in the future. I will attempt to use this technique in my writing from now on to strengthen my essays. This includes the next essay that we are currently working on. I have worked with counterarguments in the past, but never really used the words of my critics or “naysayers.” This reading made me realize how valuable critics truly are to one’s writing and how much they can improve a writer’s work.
When reading the chapter “Planting the Naysayer in your Text” I found many things insightful and especially useful for Project #2. Towards the beginning of the chapter, the author discusses the importance of getting criticism on your work. Nobody likes to hear it, but it’s necessary to consider others’ interpretations of our writing. This brings us to talking about the importance of putting a naysayer in your text. If you do not incorporate others ideas or opinions, your argument will never be seen as valid. You have to be aware that your opinion is NOT the only one. By addressing counterarguements you will prove to your readers that you are not close minded. This is similar to what we read before, but now I feel like I understand it more to apply it to my own text. Using the templates, I found an example I wanted to use in my writing. When speaking about the controversial issue of eating animals, it’s extremely important to address both sides of the arguement. This is the example I came up with using the template. Although not all meat consumers think alike, they will probably dispute my claim that animals need to be treated more like living creatures, opposed to having them as dinner. By using this tactic, you are not exerting certain stereotypes. This was insightful and good to know as I am drafting Project #2. It all goes back to having a Naysayer in your text, and without this, your text may be shorter and seem more useless.(I have discovered this is my last essay) When doing so, it’s important to focus on that counterargument and give it enough words to really get the opposing arguement across. The author claims to give it at least a few sentences or even a paragraph to address the other side. This causes the reader to understand that the writer has taken into consideration the dispute against their argument. When doing so, it’s important to put yourself in others shoes which is something that I think would make my writing stronger.
I really liked the story that the chapter opened with. I found it very helpful to know that criticism is a natural part of writing and even professionals receive some for their work. I did not realize how much including the criticism that you received can improve your writing. I find it interesting that accepting criticism and incorporating it can only strengthen your side in your writing. I also liked that this chapter included an illustration. It helped explain the chapter’s main point in a way that was easy to visualize and fun to look at. Just like with the other chapters we have read in this book, I found the templates very helpful. I have never been good at addressing critiques in my writing because I was worried about coming across as rude or difficult. Having the templates to show me how to entertain others’ objections respectfully will allow me to include any criticism in my writing. I also found it helpful that the chapter talked about different ways to incorporate “naysayers” opinions fairly while still being able to stand your ground. This explains how to answer any questions about the point without losing sight of your main argument, which I find really important. Like the last chapter we read, I found it super helpful that the end of the chapter includes some exercises for people to do. These allow me to practice including the naysayer’s opinion in paragraphs that were already written. I think that these practice exercises will be helpful for me and are something that I will certainly utilize along with the many templates throughout the chapter. Overall, I found the information that this chapter provided very insightful and something that I will work on when I am writing.
These pages that we read for homework in the book “they say, I say” talked about how to use your own criticism to help benefit your writing and make it better. People like to brush off criticism because a lot of the time it is hard to take. But it’s hard not to criticize yourself. As people say, “you’re your own worst critic” in a way to comfort someone who is being so hard on yourself. But what this chapter talks a lot about is using that self criticism to make our writing better. We can use it as our own motivation. Another way they talked about is to use your imagination and come up with what other things people might say for criticism about your writing. That way, if someone wants to argue about something in your writing, you can just point them to a paragraph and show them how you already thought about whatever they had to say. You would always be one step ahead. I also thought it was interesting that while you are writing to shut down someone’s argument, the author said labels can be very effective. In the template examples they mention biologists, feminists and others. They also talked about how some people don’t like labels because they feel like they get put in a box and are stuck there. They make a point to tell us that labels are not stereotypes and get them mixed up. Because of the use of unnecessary stereotypes and how people misuse them. But labels allow us to generalize things and gives the readers an important sense of who the author is as an individual and makes a point on what we want them to get out of our writing. I also like putting questions in my writing because I feel like it has a bigger impact on the person who’s reading it and makes them think.
Within pages 83-92 of They Say I Say, they talk about planting a naysayer in your text. As I have previously said in old journals, I am not the best at writing. Reading this book truly does help me and I think that it is helping my writing. I never know how to use someone else’s work within my writing but the book helps me a lot. I am also not the best at argumentative writing and the book is teaching me how to slowly get used to it. When I write argumentative essays I feel like I am never good at explaining the opposing side. The templates help a lot because now I can utilize them to make a good argument piece. The book gives you good templates to introduce objections formally as well as many more. After reading this specific section of They Say I Say, I now know how to represent objectives fairly. Before reading this section I have always been confused and have had to previously reach out for help because I didn’t know how to write like that. In They Say I Say it shows me how I should accurately represent the opposing side generously. After reading about how to represent, I needed to know how to answer the said objections. It says I should use persuasiveness to be able to answer the objections. While we are writing we fear that the reader is going to agree with the other side of the argument that we are not defending. We have to make sure our writing is extremely persuasive towards our side and we need to make sure we back it up with a ton of evidence. Also it shows how we should make concessions while still standing our ground and I definitely will take that into consideration when I write argumentative essays. This chapter is extremely helpful.
I related to this specific part of the book quite a bit. In the book it mentions “Oh, no! they’re gonna say that I misrepresented X’s work.” Going off of that quote it made me think of myself, I have trouble writing a paragraph or two because I get scared that my writing is going in a whole other direction than everyone else’s writing. The templates that are given would and probably will be very useful for me in the future when it comes to writing, it gives me more options to make my work more entertaining instead of sloppy and all over the place. I love writing but I am not very good at doing so, with these templates it gives me more to work with. The other templates that are given are to introduce naysayers. I really enjoyed reading this chapter of They Say I Say because I never really knew how to write argumentative essays before reading it. I always think that my arguments aren;t strong enough. I also always never can tell if I have enough evidence to back up an argument. Reading through how to introduce an argument and how to play it out really truly helped me. I think that I will honestly utilize the templates in my project two. I also have an irrational fear of when people read my writing that they are going to agree with the other side of the argument but this chapter of the book helped me learn how to help myself not do that. I think this book is actually quite helpful because even through previous chapters we have read, I have used some of the templates in my own work for not just this class but also other classes when I have to write papers.
This chapter goes along with the last one we read, because it emphasizes the importance of indicating to the reader what other people in opposition to your work are saying. This chapter also ties in the overall message of the book, which is entering a conversation. Like in all subjects, criticism is what allows you to grow and allows you to modify your work in a positive direction. Without criticism, you will never be able to see your flaws, and you will never improve. Now, the concept of “planting a naysayer in your text” is not new to me. I remember the first time I was asked to do that in an essay. It was a persuasive essay for the purpose of getting rid of the uniform policy at my old Catholic elementary school. In the essay, I included possible rebuttals authority figures may have had in regard to my argument. I shot them down and made them seem foolish. Even though that essay couldn’t have possibly changed anything, including opposing rationale definitely strengthened my argument. This chapter outlined a lot of pros that come with telling the reader what others might say against you, which I found insightful. Specifically, doing so enhances your credibility rather than undermining it, disarms the objections of critics, identifies problems with your argument before others can point them out for you, shows respect for the reader, and allows yourself to come off as a broad-minded person. The person you are referencing the objections of can actually be yourself; your inner skeptic. You’re allowed to devote space to the naysayer, you shouldn’t immediately write it off. Labeling naysayers adds impact to your writing, but it can also be generalizing. What I found helpful is the advice to not refute an objection entirely, but agree with part of the opposition by saying “yes, but”.
12 thoughts on “JOURNAL # 14: Read: TS/IS pp. 82-93—“Planting the Naysayer in Your Text.” Respond to the text: What is interesting, helpful, curious, insightful about the chapter? ”
This chapter once again like in previous ones talk about what “they” say. In particular the people that for their own personal reasons don’t agree with the point that you are trying to make. Here it talked about the naysayers and the people that disagree with your point. It also discussed about how to talk about their views and show their thought process, and then persuade the audience to try and agree with yours and change your mind. Not by talking down on the naysayers, remember the goal is to try and persuade and not “bully” the readers for believing the prior argument to begin with. It also talked about saying who the naysayers are and identifying them and why they may be making the points they are. It also talked about entertaining the view of the opposing party to help strengthen your argument. It also mentioned not to stereotype the naysayers to help validate you as a writer, as someone who will hear everyone out.
As I read chapter “Planting the Naysayer in Your Text” from They Say I Say, I found myself interested in a couple different ideas that were presented throughout the chapter. Right from the first page I thought the idea that criticism can actually work to our advantage. Instead of being upset by the critics, we can use their hateful words to make our work stronger which can even give them less to critic. By being aware and acknowledging the opposing opinions we can then add a counter agrument into our work and make it a stronger piece. On page 83 the quote, “Once you see writing as an act of entering a conversation, you should also see how opposing arguments can work for you rather than against you” really opened my eyes because it makes sense how we should add our criticism right into our papers so critics arent even able to make their opinions afterwards since we already explained their opinions and counteracted them. The templates were very useful because they gave me a physical example of how to effectively execute the idea of adding the naysayer in my work. The templates are set up in a way where I can easily switch around the words to fit into my papers as well. One of the templates explained how to name the naysayers without disrespectfully labelling or stereotyping them because that can cause backlash. A template also showed me how to casually introduce an objection which can be a good tool to make sure you work doesn’t look like youre too focused on proving the opposing side wrong. This chapter also gives inciteful ways to represent objections fairly so we don’t mock anothers’ opinion and to answer the objections successfully and persuasively to make sure the reader doesn’t end up agreeing with the opposing argument rather than yours. It was also apparent that we should make sure to stand our ground with our argument by making concessions and the most productive arguments end with a solution that incorporates both sides.
I think that these pages of writing are very beneficial to having a complete argument no matter the topic you are trying to write about. Being able to bring in the opposite or alternative perspective into your writing can be beneficial in some cases and necessary in others. As the book says it is almost close minded to not consider the other side of what you are advocating for in your writing, and it will weaken your argument significantly if the essay is not rounded out. I think that the templates in the book are okay, but I often find a part of my writing process where I am reluctant to dedicate a paragraph, or in some cases more, to an alternative perspective. Normally going after the body paragraphs of your writing, I find it almost tasking to have to reverse what you have said, even if it supports your writing. I have written lots of essays in highschool in which alternative perspectives were required. For the most part all of my history research essays required alternative perspectives to be considered strong arguments regardless of the topic. I think a lot of the templates further into the text are very argument oriented, almost to fit in a verbal disagreement. For the most part I think that my writing hardly goes into argumentative disagreement. I like the first couple pages when the book outlines the fact that having this alternative perspective or naysay, will add to the depth and validity of the point you’re trying to pursue. Thinking openly and writing to reflect that is important to be able to connect with all readers. I think this is a valuable thing to have in both conversation and writing.
When looking at the writer Jane Tompkins style of writing, we are able to depict a few very distinct features that help move a paragraph along especially when in conversation with someone else, she uses anticipation as a way to plan her responses so that she is still focused on the discussion but continues to add insightful information during this process as well. I really appreciated how she had mentioned that even when several weeks into a project, she would wake in the middle of the night in a panic because she believes her writing critics will find something she had not thought of yet and people would be driven away from her readings but in reality, those ideas are used to change the infrastructure and rearrange the style of the paragraph or flow of the content. When these “naysayers” read or disagree with an article, it is important to keep these “labels on them and yes I agree with the authors perspective by saying labels have to be used at appropriate times, such as categorizing, students by grade or age of a youth sports team, not just in your writing. Another strategy that was intriguing to me was the way to disagree informally, this is when I believe you are able to raise question or add to the conversation by possibly asking someone if X would fit better in the writing or if they had really meant to say this instead of X. in conclusion I enjoyed having the opportunity to read and engage with some of the different styles of “argumentative” writing and will try to implicate some of these strategies in my future works of writing especially when comparing and contrasting the two sides of an argument.
rgument, causing concern that those with opposing views will blow right through the author’s side of the argument. It then goes to say that in remembering these points that were previously not included, the writing has only begun. This is something that struck me immediately as I was reading, because when I write I tend to attempt to view the overall topic in every way that I possibly can. In doing so I am able to address all the points that the majority of readers would also attempt to make, making my piece of writing extremely strong/convincing. By seeing all of the possible variations of the argument, there usually is no basis for others to form their argument on. However, the reading also mentioned that when an opposing argument is made, it is not always best to completely disagree with it. Rather, we should consider, or try to understand part of their argument, in order to best explain your own point of view/why you disagree. By challenging only what you disagree with, the reader/audience will not be offended but much more understanding. When demonstrating your understanding of the opposing side, it is important explain in depth that way you are giving both sides a fair opportunity. These are all things I heavily acknowledge in my writing, and after this reading I feel that this makes much more sense to me than before.
In this section of “They Say/I Say” the author talked about incorporating “naysayers” into our writing. I found this perspective to be quite interesting since I never put much thought into doing so before. The more I read the more I agreed with what the author was saying. Incorporating critiques, no matter how harsh, can strengthen not just your writing but also your credibility. Using the harsh words of the critics can also “disarm them” as the author says. Not only that, but it would also lead you to write about both sides or a counterargument perhaps, which can entertain the readers more. There are many more benefits to using what the naysayer has to say. One of those that can be useful, especially for students is that it can help meet their word count. Adding a counterargument and adding your critiques can give you more material to work with and overall lengthen an essay. After reading this section, I feel that I have learned something very valuable that I can use many times in the future. I will attempt to use this technique in my writing from now on to strengthen my essays. This includes the next essay that we are currently working on. I have worked with counterarguments in the past, but never really used the words of my critics or “naysayers.” This reading made me realize how valuable critics truly are to one’s writing and how much they can improve a writer’s work.
When reading the chapter “Planting the Naysayer in your Text” I found many things insightful and especially useful for Project #2. Towards the beginning of the chapter, the author discusses the importance of getting criticism on your work. Nobody likes to hear it, but it’s necessary to consider others’ interpretations of our writing. This brings us to talking about the importance of putting a naysayer in your text. If you do not incorporate others ideas or opinions, your argument will never be seen as valid. You have to be aware that your opinion is NOT the only one. By addressing counterarguements you will prove to your readers that you are not close minded. This is similar to what we read before, but now I feel like I understand it more to apply it to my own text. Using the templates, I found an example I wanted to use in my writing. When speaking about the controversial issue of eating animals, it’s extremely important to address both sides of the arguement. This is the example I came up with using the template. Although not all meat consumers think alike, they will probably dispute my claim that animals need to be treated more like living creatures, opposed to having them as dinner. By using this tactic, you are not exerting certain stereotypes. This was insightful and good to know as I am drafting Project #2. It all goes back to having a Naysayer in your text, and without this, your text may be shorter and seem more useless.(I have discovered this is my last essay) When doing so, it’s important to focus on that counterargument and give it enough words to really get the opposing arguement across. The author claims to give it at least a few sentences or even a paragraph to address the other side. This causes the reader to understand that the writer has taken into consideration the dispute against their argument. When doing so, it’s important to put yourself in others shoes which is something that I think would make my writing stronger.
I really liked the story that the chapter opened with. I found it very helpful to know that criticism is a natural part of writing and even professionals receive some for their work. I did not realize how much including the criticism that you received can improve your writing. I find it interesting that accepting criticism and incorporating it can only strengthen your side in your writing. I also liked that this chapter included an illustration. It helped explain the chapter’s main point in a way that was easy to visualize and fun to look at. Just like with the other chapters we have read in this book, I found the templates very helpful. I have never been good at addressing critiques in my writing because I was worried about coming across as rude or difficult. Having the templates to show me how to entertain others’ objections respectfully will allow me to include any criticism in my writing. I also found it helpful that the chapter talked about different ways to incorporate “naysayers” opinions fairly while still being able to stand your ground. This explains how to answer any questions about the point without losing sight of your main argument, which I find really important. Like the last chapter we read, I found it super helpful that the end of the chapter includes some exercises for people to do. These allow me to practice including the naysayer’s opinion in paragraphs that were already written. I think that these practice exercises will be helpful for me and are something that I will certainly utilize along with the many templates throughout the chapter. Overall, I found the information that this chapter provided very insightful and something that I will work on when I am writing.
These pages that we read for homework in the book “they say, I say” talked about how to use your own criticism to help benefit your writing and make it better. People like to brush off criticism because a lot of the time it is hard to take. But it’s hard not to criticize yourself. As people say, “you’re your own worst critic” in a way to comfort someone who is being so hard on yourself. But what this chapter talks a lot about is using that self criticism to make our writing better. We can use it as our own motivation. Another way they talked about is to use your imagination and come up with what other things people might say for criticism about your writing. That way, if someone wants to argue about something in your writing, you can just point them to a paragraph and show them how you already thought about whatever they had to say. You would always be one step ahead. I also thought it was interesting that while you are writing to shut down someone’s argument, the author said labels can be very effective. In the template examples they mention biologists, feminists and others. They also talked about how some people don’t like labels because they feel like they get put in a box and are stuck there. They make a point to tell us that labels are not stereotypes and get them mixed up. Because of the use of unnecessary stereotypes and how people misuse them. But labels allow us to generalize things and gives the readers an important sense of who the author is as an individual and makes a point on what we want them to get out of our writing. I also like putting questions in my writing because I feel like it has a bigger impact on the person who’s reading it and makes them think.
Within pages 83-92 of They Say I Say, they talk about planting a naysayer in your text. As I have previously said in old journals, I am not the best at writing. Reading this book truly does help me and I think that it is helping my writing. I never know how to use someone else’s work within my writing but the book helps me a lot. I am also not the best at argumentative writing and the book is teaching me how to slowly get used to it. When I write argumentative essays I feel like I am never good at explaining the opposing side. The templates help a lot because now I can utilize them to make a good argument piece. The book gives you good templates to introduce objections formally as well as many more. After reading this specific section of They Say I Say, I now know how to represent objectives fairly. Before reading this section I have always been confused and have had to previously reach out for help because I didn’t know how to write like that. In They Say I Say it shows me how I should accurately represent the opposing side generously. After reading about how to represent, I needed to know how to answer the said objections. It says I should use persuasiveness to be able to answer the objections. While we are writing we fear that the reader is going to agree with the other side of the argument that we are not defending. We have to make sure our writing is extremely persuasive towards our side and we need to make sure we back it up with a ton of evidence. Also it shows how we should make concessions while still standing our ground and I definitely will take that into consideration when I write argumentative essays. This chapter is extremely helpful.
I related to this specific part of the book quite a bit. In the book it mentions “Oh, no! they’re gonna say that I misrepresented X’s work.” Going off of that quote it made me think of myself, I have trouble writing a paragraph or two because I get scared that my writing is going in a whole other direction than everyone else’s writing. The templates that are given would and probably will be very useful for me in the future when it comes to writing, it gives me more options to make my work more entertaining instead of sloppy and all over the place. I love writing but I am not very good at doing so, with these templates it gives me more to work with. The other templates that are given are to introduce naysayers. I really enjoyed reading this chapter of They Say I Say because I never really knew how to write argumentative essays before reading it. I always think that my arguments aren;t strong enough. I also always never can tell if I have enough evidence to back up an argument. Reading through how to introduce an argument and how to play it out really truly helped me. I think that I will honestly utilize the templates in my project two. I also have an irrational fear of when people read my writing that they are going to agree with the other side of the argument but this chapter of the book helped me learn how to help myself not do that. I think this book is actually quite helpful because even through previous chapters we have read, I have used some of the templates in my own work for not just this class but also other classes when I have to write papers.
This chapter goes along with the last one we read, because it emphasizes the importance of indicating to the reader what other people in opposition to your work are saying. This chapter also ties in the overall message of the book, which is entering a conversation. Like in all subjects, criticism is what allows you to grow and allows you to modify your work in a positive direction. Without criticism, you will never be able to see your flaws, and you will never improve. Now, the concept of “planting a naysayer in your text” is not new to me. I remember the first time I was asked to do that in an essay. It was a persuasive essay for the purpose of getting rid of the uniform policy at my old Catholic elementary school. In the essay, I included possible rebuttals authority figures may have had in regard to my argument. I shot them down and made them seem foolish. Even though that essay couldn’t have possibly changed anything, including opposing rationale definitely strengthened my argument. This chapter outlined a lot of pros that come with telling the reader what others might say against you, which I found insightful. Specifically, doing so enhances your credibility rather than undermining it, disarms the objections of critics, identifies problems with your argument before others can point them out for you, shows respect for the reader, and allows yourself to come off as a broad-minded person. The person you are referencing the objections of can actually be yourself; your inner skeptic. You’re allowed to devote space to the naysayer, you shouldn’t immediately write it off. Labeling naysayers adds impact to your writing, but it can also be generalizing. What I found helpful is the advice to not refute an objection entirely, but agree with part of the opposition by saying “yes, but”.