Argument as Conversation: The Role of Inquiry in Writing a Researched Argument - Summary & Response

In Argument as Conversation: The Role of Inquiry in Writing a Researched Argument, Stuart Greene argues that writing an effective research paper is like entering a conversation that has already been going on, so you must express understanding of issue and present new opinions. Greene begins by pointing out that arguments are a part of everyday life. He continues on to say that when writing a research paper, you must display your understanding of claims people are making, the questions they raise, and the conflicts they address in the pieces you are reading. Greene explains that while writing an argument, the position you take will depend on which previously stated arguments you also believe and which you want to refute, as well as what new opinions and supporting information you can bring. He then goes into the section entitled Entering the Conversation, where he explains that in order to write a researched argument you must answer all necessary questions about the issue and express what is at stake if things change or stay the same. He then goes onto the section, Identify an Issue, where he expresses the importance of clearly identifying the issue, or tension that exists between two or more conflicting points of view. Greene next moves onto the section, Identify the Situation, where it is necessary to consider how people view the problem. The next step in constructing a research paper is explained by Greene in the section, Frame a Good Question, where you must make sure the question can be answered with the resources available and make sure there is a focus. Then Greene goes onto the section, Framing as a Critical Step for Writing, Reading, and Doing Research, where he expresses the importance of framing in order to enforce clarity and improve critical inquiry abilities. The final section, entitled, Conclusion: Writing Researched Arguments, explains that information researched must be shaped in order to help you to enter the conversation and information must be put in context, so connections must be made. Greene concludes his argument by stating that research is a social process if you can understand inquiry as a way to enter a conversation.

       Framing is a tool used when constructing an argument, or writing a piece in general. It helps to focus the argument and specify what the argument is about and/or is not about. Additionally, framing offers a way to make your position clear. The metaphor of a camera lens is used in Greene’s writing, because with a lens, you can focus on the main parts of the picture, in order to connect them, and blur out the parts that are not important or relevant. Additionally, you are able to control the mood or feeling of the picture by how it is set up, which you can also do in writing.