They Say, I Say: Three ways to Respond

The reading titled, "Yes/No/Okay, But", meticulously describes the three most common ways to respond in an arument paper. These primary responses are illustrated through the acts of agreeing, disagreeing, and a mixture of both. No matter what kind of stance you decide to take, for, against, or both, it is extremely important to declare your position as soon as possible. This will allow the audience to become fully aware of your point of view, as well as your personal reasons for your particular opinion. The audience will reach a point of appreciation for you as a writer, as well as your purpose.

It is easy to agree, but the act of agreeing can get a bit boring, especially if you are just repeating the views you agree with. Not only is it essential to get through to your audience in a clear and persuasive way, but it is also important to have flavor throughout your paper. In other words, in order to characterize your own opinion on a particular matter there must be a sense of something new, something different, something someone has never touched on or brought to the surface. For example, a new way of looking at the problem or in many cases, how to fix it. In any argument paper, the act of agreeing results in some sort of dispute resulting from opinion. The point is, state your opinion and why, and then use your evidence to creatively relay your message/central point.

In order to disagree fully, it is crucial to support your opinion through a variety of reasons why. There is more to it than just stating the fact that you do not agree. Give yourself something to contribute, give the audience a reason to hear your side. The author portrays this act of contribution through the "duh" and "twist it" moves. In other words, it is helpful to take a step back and not necessairily disagree entirely with your position. It is beneficial to make a personal assumption on the point of view. This will add a new idea or a new way of looking at whatever you are disagreeing on.

The act of agreeing and disagreeing at the same time adds a whole new feel to an argument paper. this allows the audience to agree OR disagree. The audience can make up their own opinion on the topic, without feeling obligated to strictly agree or disagree. This adds flexability and complexity to an argument paper.

This reading has opened my eyes to a variety of ways to respond in an argument paper. Personally, I have always thought that you either had to agree completely, or disagree completely. I had no idea that you could combine both views and, in the process, create a a flexible basis for the audience. After completing this reading, I am fully aware of the three most beneficial ways to respond in an argument paper, as well as the importance of analyzing and supporting. I am excited to begin using what I have learned throughout this reading, towards my essay.