Response Blog #1

~Getting Ready to Read:
       I  define an argument as a conversation between two opposing opinions. The words argument and conversation can relate, but do not always go hand in hand. Arguments can become conversational if a topic is casually brought up in conversation where two or more sides oppose one another. And a conversation can become argumentative if the conversation consists of two opposing sides, however the two conversers are dicussing the two sides neutrally. I just confused myself greatly, but as I thought about my answer-- it made perfect sense to me.

~Questions for Discussion (#1-3):
        1.  According to Greene, it is incredibly important to not only read about the subject you will be writing about, however, read a lot of articles/books/opinions on the topic. This way, you can take bits and pieces of all of the reading you did to not only educate yourself on the topic, but to produce an unbias, and diverse paper on the topic.
       2.  Burke uses the metaphor that you are going to a party, and you get there late. When you walk into the party, the conversations have already begun and you feel overwhelmed that you can't understand them because you came late. Finally, you think you've heard enough of the conversations to jump in and add your imput. Some people may shut you down, some may back you up. Even after you leave the party however, the conversations and arguments only grow more intricate and deep. I can't say that I completely understand how this all ties into writing, however if I were to guess I would say that you have to write for all types of readers because you don't know where they are jumping into the reading from. And you have to make it coherent, yet still hold your ground on the side in which you are arguing. With this being said, the book goes on to explain that all arguments stem from previous arguments, and previous statements & thoughts. It may challenge that all arguments are connected. Which kind of makes my brain hurt to think about...but in some sense, they are. Every single opinion you have, or argument you make is the result of an experience you've had. However, in terms of writing this may challenge that all of your readers/audience may not understand your arguments the same way. SO. It would be nearly impossible to write a paper that would appeal to, and be understood by, all of your audience.
        3. Framing is setting up a thought provoking question that can be answered with the knowledge and the tools you have, is organized around an issue and explores the 5 W's. This concept is important to Greene because it is the basis of all argumentative writing. Not only does this get the writer thinking about their topic so they can decide on how to go about arguing it, but it allows the reader to lead into the topic and get a good stance on the author's opinion, and decide if they agree with the author, or will form their own opinion.

~Applying & Exploring Ideas:
         I found Greene's article to be converstational with students who are preparing to write. He frames his argument by stating that the majority of writing an argument is not actually sitting down at your desk to type a paper, it is sitting at the library and reading multiple opinions on the topic, and finding sources that will not only back up your opinion, but make it more well rounded. For example by referencing scientific and scholarly opinions on the topic. I do believe that Greene pushes to make the arguments as conversational as possible. He believes, and goes on to support that they are more understandable when the question is framed in a thought provoking manner, and then the opinion of the author is explained and carried out in a logical and relatable fashion.

~ Reading Responses:
      " In his article, Greene attempts to explain to college level writers that good argumentative writing begins with well rounded, and diverse research. He argues that before writing an argument, you need to not only complete the research but effectively frame the question at hand for your audience because you will produce the best paper this way, and they will be able to understand it to it's full potential."

      Summary: Greene believes that the best argumentative papers should be 3 things: well researched, well framed, and conversational. Research should not just be done on your opinion of the matter, but all sides. The question at hand should be well framed (thought provoking and clear.) The argument should be conversational in that it makes sense to readers, and is written in a relatable way.