Ballenger....What?

In this segment of Bruce Ballengers book, The Curious Writer, he instructs readers in the appropriate style and processes of crafting a good argument. One of the most important things he points out is the differences between a well crafted argument and a blubbering idiot with an opinion. He differentiates between arguing hot with a hot head and putting together an argument you feel passionate about. He says, "In the hands of a good writer the op-ed can move people to think and act", which is ultimately the point for most people in writing these sorts of essays. These points really helped me realize that it is important to not only research so that i will know a lot about my topic but also to remain focused on the issue during the argument. The issue is what you are arguing not slamming people or their decisions. I appreciated the section in which he listed a few introduction lines from some op-ed essays, and also pointed out that they are more informal where as the argument essay we are writing initially is more formal and should have a good solid base of information we are pulling from.


Ballenger, as usual, tied the point into the main theme we have been confronting this semester and that is the process of inquiry. By asking the right questions, and learning about our subculture, we as human beings are lead directly into forming an opinion or judgment about the group in question. By asking the questions and following the inquiry process, we find the underlying conflicts and positions going on inside our subcultures. If we stay open-minded and research these different conflicts we could write a stellar argument paper based on our opinions and also upheld by facts. It is also important, as Ballenger points out, that we understand all sides of the argument, so we can better craft our views and represent our ideas effectively. He also illustrates that no issue is black and white, there is no agree or disagree, there are many sides to each individual argument. Can you remember the last survey you took? They no longer have the three columns of agree, disagree, and neutral. They are littered with at least five separate selections including; strongly agree, agree, somewhat agree, neutral, etc. Our world is not simple and therefore our arguments and disagreements are also not simple.


It is also good to be reminded of the best steps to create a good draft, and also to revising that draft. The more drafts and input you can obtain the better your ultimate result will be. Although i agree with that process and know it works, its still hard to find the time you would like to put into your draft, after all we are students and have many classes and jobs and families :-).
This whole chapter is a segue into our Unit 2 project. Really helping us to wrap our heads around the idea of the argument. By educating us in this field of writing will really help us in the future. I can think of many instance where this will help me with my chosen career path of Construction Management. If I am able to put together a document that gets my thoughts and ideas across in a persuasive manner I will be able to influence the audience to heed my counsel. Also we learn to back up our writing with research which is vitally important in the job industry. This allows us to establish creditability with our communication skills. Thus, improving our chances to obtain jobs and also keep them.