An Effective Response to Opposing Views: Comparing Print and Audio Arguments

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 Analyze 
Use the basic features.

Regardless of the medium—print, radio, television, Web cast—an effective position argument must respond to opposing views by conceding or refuting them, or by combining concession and refutation. As you read Manjoo’s essay and listen to the interview with him, pay attention to where and how he makes these moves.

ANALYZE & WRITE

Write a paragraph or two comparing and analyzing how Manjoo addresses opposing views in his essay and in the radio interview:

  1. Skim the essay, looking for places where Manjoo mentions opposing views and then responds to them. (Hint: Some of these responses are introduced by transitions.) Summarize his responses in a sentence or two. Then take a look at the comments at the end of the essay, paying special attention to those opposing Manjoo’s argument.
  2. Now focus on the radio interview, making notes on Manjoo’s responses to opposing views. Also, consider the interviewers’ role in bringing to light these views or in drawing out Manjoo’s responses to them.
  3. Do you think Manjoo’s responses to opposing views are equally effective in the essay and in the radio interview? Or does he make his case more effectively in one medium than the other? As one measure of how well Manjoo responds to opposing arguments, you might take another look at some opposing views raised in the comments at the end of the essay. Do you think either the essay or Manjoo’s interview responses do a better job of standing up to these views? Why?

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