Argument as Conversation
Main concepts in writing
CARS moves and steps
Old vs new ideas
100

What's an issue?

The tension. An ambivalent point in which a research focuses

100

Genre

A set of limits that are breakable and expansive, and subject to be hybrid

100

What is to Establish a territory in writing?

To place your text among a group of conversations (other texts) that have been discussing the subject that your text will also address.

100

Writing two stories

Story one: writing should be free of errors to be good. Teachers only mark your grammar and ideas are totally ignored.

Story two: Ideas are read and responded to, readers acknowledge a voice, an opinion, an criticize, praise and live thorugh the text.

200

What's a situation?

The specific geographical and/or time in which something specific is happening

200

Rhetoric

The field that studies communication situations

200

What do the author does in the first step (Claiming centrality)?

The author shows the importance, popularity or impact of the theme she is about to discuss?

200

Transmitting knowledge

Old idea that information or knowledge can be passed on in the exact way it is.


New idea that knowledge is constructed by using information, texts, experiences, feelings and emotions. Each individual is constructing her own paradigms and values throughout time.

300

Why argument is like a conversation?

Because arguments (texts) are uttered and conceived by people or groups of people.

300

Construct

A social idea that is commonly accepted but subject to be challenged and modified through ongoing conversations.

300

What is counter-claiming?

To argue the opposite in regards to what previous authors have argued.

300

Facts vs arguments

Fact claims to be the undisputable truth.

Argument is a way to link reasons, data, narratives into statements.

400

What is Entering the conversation - Finding a territory?

To answer to these questions: 

What topics have people been talking about?

What is a relevant problem?

What kinds of evidence might persuade readers?

400

Grammar correctness

The idea that states good writing is error free and that learning grammar rules eventually leads to fine results.

400

What is to indicate a gap?

Pointing out to a specific area previous authors have failed to notice in their arguments.

400

Writing is perfectible

Old idea: We should learn the grammar and that way writing will finally be perfect


New idea: Writing is something we can always get better at, practice and never fully attain perfection.

500

What's the perceived difference between Fact vs Argument?

Fact claims to be the undisputable truth

Argument is a way to link reasons, data, narratives into statements.

500

Contingent

The idea that communication depends on many aspects and factors such as time, place, words, institutions, rhetors and context in general.

500

What is question raising?

To come up with an authentic question regarding the topic as it has been discussed recently.

500

Texts are ...

1. Facts, general truths, knowledge to be assimilated and understood.

2. People, subjects, who speak their minds within a context and within an ecology of conversations.