Assignment #1

Graff and Birkenstein argue that to write academically an individual cannot just simply assert their own ideas, but that they must enter into a conversation by using what others have said as a catalyst for the argument. They also state that disagreeing with other arguments is not a necessity to rhetoric, but that agreeing with others is also a viable launching pad for academic writing, and that all academic writing can succeed through the use of templates. Rhetoric as described in the course description appears to take the shape of being far more studious in premise. There will be a large amount of research and analysis in the course that will strengthen the argument of individuals through various exercises. Between academic writing and the course description of rhetoric there is much overlap pertaining to the process of argument. Research from the class will prove to be incredibly useful in academic writings and will strategically fill in all of the blanks of the templates provided by Graff and Birkenstein. Attending to arguments requires a firm grasp of the material as well as sophisticated thinking and writing that necessitates much practice and instruction.