Graff

I first heard the concept of "entering into a conversation" in my English 306. I was told about picking up on language in order to enter into a discourse. Graff expands on the idea and approaches it with the knowledge that we are probably already writers, yet we still need to be reminded of the techniques and moves we are applying in our very practiced writing. Sometimes we forget that we need to summarize anothers perspective without bias or slant.  I like how Graff asserts that listening to others and responding respectfully can "help us see beyond our own pet beliefs, which may be shared by everyone" (13). Our own thoughts can become stale and stagnant if not probed by or opposed by others. Readings some work that we can agree with or disagree with gives us fuel. But we best not use this fuel to fly off the handle and speak too soon or with too narrow a view. Better that we explore what "they say" to more clearly understand where we fit in the conversation, and then respond knowingly and openly. Or am i being too agreeable?