. Recap of Problematizing: Gaining the reader’s trust
Today we are working to create good relationships with our readers. The reason for presenting the opposing argument is to gain the reader’s trust. You have about 4 minutes to choose one of the opposing arguments from your outline and problematize it. Use the PowerPoint handout from last class for reference. You don’t need to do research or anything. The point is to work on the structure of problematizing. Then volunteer to read yours to the class.
2. Tone: Setting up the relationship with the reader
The words you choose to use and choose not to use are extremely important in Academic Writing. You can change the relationship with the reader, either positively or negatively, just by using certain words. And remember, a good relationship with the reader is your #1 priority. You want the reader to not only agree with you by the end of the essay, but also believe and trust in everything you say; you want the reader to like you. Take a look at Part II on the Relationship with the Reader handout. Which words set good or bad tones for the reader and why?
3. Hedging: Leave room for other possibilities
In the following cases, not only tone is important, but also the strength of our certainty. We are using a skill called hedging to assert claims/explanations/generalizations. To hedge in writing is to choose certain words that will demonstrate how sure we are of a statement we are making. That way, we can leave room for other possibilities and scenarios that the reader may think of, and we can maintain our credibility. Take a look at Parts III and IV of the handout. Do you see how each word has its own degree of certainty?
4. Avoiding Hasty Generalizations: Don’t lie to the reader! Duh!
When you make a generalization about a group of people, events, etc., you should use hedging to assert your certainty of the statement. It is very rare that you can make a statement that includes an entire group or event in every instance. Even if something is almost always true, it’s not always true! So don’t lie to the reader and tell them it’s always true or you will lose your credibility. Take a look at Part V of the handout. Which words can be changed so that the writer isn’t making a hasty generalization?
5. Putting it all together
Do page 3 of the “Relationship with the Reader” handout.
