Spot the Problem
A student writes: 'Anyone who thinks homework is helpful is just wrong.' What's the problem with this argument?
It dismisses everyone who disagrees instead of considering why someone might support homework.
Rewrite: 'Homework is stupid and a waste of time.'
Example: 'Homework can help students practice skills, but too much of it may cause unnecessary stress and reduce time for other responsibilities.'
Students want less homework. Teachers want students to practice. What's one goal they probably share?
Students learning and understanding the material.
'Schools should ban phones because they distract students and interfere with learning.' Which approach is this?
Traditional
'Teachers only ban phones because they want to control students.' What is the writer assuming?
That all teachers have the same negative motive, without considering concerns about distractions or learning.
Rewrite: 'Schools need to stop treating students like little kids and let them use their phones.'
Example: 'While teachers have valid concerns about distractions, students also value independence and communication. Schools could consider reasonable limits rather than complete bans.'
Some students want phones at school for emergencies. Teachers want fewer distractions. What shared concern could both sides agree on?
Student safety and success at school.
'Both teachers and students want a productive classroom, even if they disagree about phone rules.' Which approach?
Rogerian
'If you support school uniforms, you clearly don't care about students.' Identify the problem.
It attacks people's character instead of addressing their actual reasons for supporting uniforms.
Rewrite: 'People who think college is necessary for success are out of touch.'
Example: 'College provides valuable opportunities for many careers, but trade schools and other pathways can also prepare students for successful futures.'
Some people support school uniforms to reduce pressure about clothing. Others oppose uniforms because they value self-expression. Find a shared goal.
Students feeling comfortable, included, and respected at school.
'Although homework can reinforce important skills, excessive assignments may create stress. Schools should consider a more balanced policy.' Which approach?
Rogerian
A writer explains why their position is right but never mentions why anyone might disagree. What's missing?
A fair explanation of the opposing perspective, including the reasons or concerns behind it.
Rewrite: 'Teachers who don't allow AI are making school harder for no reason.' Keep a clear position AND acknowledge the opposition.
Example: 'Teachers have legitimate concerns about plagiarism and students relying too heavily on AI. However, allowing AI for brainstorming or feedback could support learning while maintaining clear academic boundaries.'
One group supports AI tools because they can help students learn. Another worries AI prevents students from thinking independently. Identify a shared value AND a possible compromise.
Shared value: genuine learning. Possible compromise: allow AI for brainstorming or feedback, but require students to produce and explain their own original work.
'School uniforms should be required because they reduce distractions and make dress-code enforcement easier. Research supports these benefits.' Is this automatically Rogerian because it uses evidence? Why or why not?
No. It is a traditional argumentative approach. Evidence strengthens either approach; Rogerian argument also requires fair acknowledgment and attention to shared concerns.
'People who want stricter AI rules think students should never use technology.' The opposing side actually supports AI for brainstorming but not for writing assignments. What has the writer done?
Misrepresented the opposing position by exaggerating it. A fair argument would distinguish acceptable AI uses from concerns about academic dishonesty.
Rewrite: 'School should start later. Parents who complain about transportation can figure it out.' Your revision must acknowledge the other side, find a shared goal, and defend a position.
Example: 'Parents reasonably worry that later start times could interfere with transportation and work schedules. However, both parents and schools want students to be healthy and ready to learn. Districts should consider later start times while developing transportation options that reduce the burden on families.'
Some families support later school start times because teens need sleep. Other families oppose them because of transportation, jobs, and childcare. Find common ground and propose a realistic compromise.
Both groups want students to succeed without creating unreasonable family burdens. A possible compromise is a phased schedule change with transportation and after-school support. Accept other thoughtful, realistic solutions.
'Supporters of AI restrictions reasonably worry about cheating. Students also benefit from learning to use emerging technology responsibly. Schools should allow limited AI assistance with clear disclosure rules.' Identify the approach and explain TWO features that prove it.
Rogerian. It fairly acknowledges concerns about cheating, recognizes a legitimate benefit of AI, and proposes a qualified solution that addresses both perspectives.