Working Together: Generate Reasons for Your Interpretation

The goal of this collaborative activity is to generate potential reasons supporting your interpretation of your subject. You can work in person or online (using chat, instant messaging, or a threaded discussion forum). If you are working face-to-face, one member of the group should take notes on the discussion. If you are using a chat or instant-messaging program, be sure to record a transcript of the session.

To carry out the activity, follow these steps:

  1. One writer should describe his or her writing project, the overall results of the analysis, and the reasons that will be offered to support the analysis.
  2. Each member of the group should help evaluate the reasons identified by the writer. Are the reasons sound, appropriate, and credible?
  3. Each member of the group should also suggest additional reasons the writer might consider.

When the exchange is completed, turn to the next writer and repeat the process.