"Helping Students Use Textual Sources Persuasively"

Before You Read

2.) To me a fact is a proven/researched idea or belief, and is typically the most useful device in an argument. A claim is an allegation and is usually considered true or factual, without having been actually proven to be true. An opinion is usually someone's belief or point of view on something. All of these are useful when forming an argument.

Summary

In Kantz' article, "Helping Students Use Textual Sources Persuasively", she explains that students should be encouraged to not read with a story-driven intention, especially when researching. Kantz believes students should learn how to use, "rhetorical reading", when writing a research paper. Kantz states that students should read in between the lines and not always view readings from a textbook as unbiased information. She says that often times, writers will try and persuade a certain audience. For example, when Kantz mentions how the French and British textbooks differ when talking about the size of the armies. Kantz' main focus in the article is for students to build original arguments.

Synthesis

I found Kantz' article along with some of the methods from Greene's article could be very effective. Using the focusing of the main points suggested by Greene's method, while at the same time using Kantz' technique of writing an original and creative paper, could be a great format for an informational, yet concise paper. I feel that Margaret Kantz presented the argument of creating an original paper very well, especially by using Shirley as a prime example of a typical student. Kantz framed her article well.

Questions for Discussion 

1.) I feel that Kantz is trying to tell the reader that facts can be true, but can be biased or made to manipulate the audience. I like when Kantz puts in the excerpt from when Alice and Shirley are talking. Alice explains why Shirley couldn't find an actual number of the army size. The History of France book is biased towards French readers and the History of British Progress is biased towards British readers. Kantz is trying to relay the message across for students to look for more meaning in the text, rather than the "facts". Kantz describes opinions, (as well as facts), as different interpretations by the audience from the decode, while still keeping in mind reality. All facts and opinons are major devices used in arguments.

2.) Kantz says that students misunderstand sources because they read them as stories, that students expect their sources to tell the truth, and that students don't understand that facts are a type of claim, and that writers use them to persuade the readers and create an impression. I believe that all the statements that Kantz presents are very true. I did many of the things that Shirley did when writing. I feel that Kantz has taught me how to better interpret my sources and what I read, so that I may become a better writer when presenting an argument.

Applying and Exploring Ideas

2.) Often times, I wouldn't even imagine creativity and research in the same sentence. I viewed research as strictly looking up sources for facts to support my topic, leaving little for me to be creative with. Kantz showed me that I can use both at the same time and in an effective way. By searching the text for hidden meanings and learning how to use rhetorical reading, I can create a solid argument using research and different point of views. After reading Kantz' article, I am able to see how using creativity and research together can create a very well-rounded research paper and argument.

Meta Moment

I feel that Kantz is trying to analyze the thought of viewing whatever you may be reading from a different perspective. She wants students to view articles from the encoders perspective and for them, the reader, to then decode it. I think it's useful for anyone to think from this standpoint, not only when they are writing or reading, but you can apply Kantz' advice to just about anything in life.

Thoughts

I feel that this was a good article and that it was the most helpful to me as a student. I was very like Shirley, in the way that I would just research for facts, instead of actually digesting the reading and analyzing it. I liked how Kantz gave examples by introducing Shirley into the article. However, towards the end of the article, Kantz kept repeating the same points, over and over. Besides that minor flaw, I enjoyed the article.