CONVERSING WITH

SOURCES
Or, How to Do More with Other Scholars Work than Back Up
Your Opinions.

Lets play telephone

Johns source statement:

My students seem tired and stressed out. I should ask the University to cancel
the rest of the term and send everyone on a fabulous vacation.

Other teachers source statement:

Your students are tired and stressed out because they lack
discipline. You should double the work youre giving them.

Agree with the source statement. Explain why.

Disagree with the source statement. Explain why.
Offer a more specific version of the source statement.
Disagree with the last speakers statement and offer an alternative. Explain why your alternative is
preferable.
Ask a question about the source statement meant to provoke critical thought.
Respond to the critical question. Be sure to explain the reasoning behind your response.
Ask John for another source statement.
Take a side with whichever source statement you prefer. Explain your preference.
Agree with the previous speakers statement. Explain why.
Disagree with the previous speakers statement. Explain why.
Identify a (perhaps subtle) point of agreement between the two source statements. Ask a question
about that point of agreement thats meant to provoke critical thought.
Respond to the critical question. Be sure to explain the reasoning behind your response.
Agree in part with both source statements, but propose a third alternative. Explain why its better.
Agree with the previous speakers alternative, adding a because clause that explains why.

Lets play telephone

Johns source statement:

My students seem tired and stressed out. I should ask the University to cancel
the rest of the term and send everyone on a fabulous vacation.

Other teachers source statement:

Your students are tired and stressed out because they lack
discipline. You should double the work youre giving them.
1.

Agree with the source statement. Explain why.

Disagree with the source statement. Explain why.

Offer a more specific version of the source statement.
Disagree with the last speakers statement and offer an alternative. Explain why your alternative is
preferable.
Ask a question about the source statement meant to provoke critical thought.
Respond to the critical question. Be sure to explain the reasoning behind your response.
Ask John for another source statement.
Take a side with whichever source statement you prefer. Explain your preference.
Agree with the previous speakers statement. Explain why.
Disagree with the previous speakers statement. Explain why.
Identify a (perhaps subtle) point of agreement between the two source statements. Ask a question
about that point of agreement thats meant to provoke critical thought.
Respond to the critical question. Be sure to explain the reasoning behind your response.
Agree in part with both source statements, but propose a third alternative. Explain why its better.
Agree with the previous speakers alternative, adding a because clause that explains why.

Lets play telephone

Johns source statement:

My students seem tired and stressed out. I should ask the University to cancel
the rest of the term and send everyone on a fabulous vacation.

Other teachers source statement:

Your students are tired and stressed out because they lack
discipline. You should double the work youre giving them.
1.

Agree with the source statement. Explain why.

2.

Disagree with the source statement. Explain why.

Offer a more specific version of the source statement.

Disagree with the last speakers statement and offer an alternative. Explain why your alternative is
preferable.
Ask a question about the source statement meant to provoke critical thought.
Respond to the critical question. Be sure to explain the reasoning behind your response.
Ask John for another source statement.
Take a side with whichever source statement you prefer. Explain your preference.
Agree with the previous speakers statement. Explain why.
Disagree with the previous speakers statement. Explain why.
Identify a (perhaps subtle) point of agreement between the two source statements. Ask a question
about that point of agreement thats meant to provoke critical thought.
Respond to the critical question. Be sure to explain the reasoning behind your response.
Agree in part with both source statements, but propose a third alternative. Explain why its better.
Agree with the previous speakers alternative, adding a because clause that explains why.

Lets play telephone

Johns source statement:

My students seem tired and stressed out. I should ask the University to cancel
the rest of the term and send everyone on a fabulous vacation.

Other teachers source statement:

Your students are tired and stressed out because they lack
discipline. You should double the work youre giving them.
1.

Agree with the source statement. Explain why.

2.

Disagree with the source statement. Explain why.

3.

Offer a more specific version of the source statement.

Disagree with the last speakers statement and offer an alternative. Explain why your alternative is
preferable.
Ask a question about the source statement meant to provoke critical thought.
Respond to the critical question. Be sure to explain the reasoning behind your response.
Ask John for another source statement.
Take a side with whichever source statement you prefer. Explain your preference.
Agree with the previous speakers statement. Explain why.
Disagree with the previous speakers statement. Explain why.
Identify a (perhaps subtle) point of agreement between the two source statements. Ask a question
about that point of agreement thats meant to provoke critical thought.
Respond to the critical question. Be sure to explain the reasoning behind your response.
Agree in part with both source statements, but propose a third alternative. Explain why its better.
Agree with the previous speakers alternative, adding a because clause that explains why.

Lets play telephone

Johns source statement:

My students seem tired and stressed out. I should ask the University to cancel
the rest of the term and send everyone on a fabulous vacation.

Other teachers source statement:

Your students are tired and stressed out because they lack
discipline. You should double the work youre giving them.
1.

Agree with the source statement. Explain why.

2.

Disagree with the source statement. Explain why.

3.

Offer a more specific version of the source statement.

4.

Disagree with the last speakers statement and offer an alternative. Explain why your
alternative is preferable.

Ask a question about the source statement meant to provoke critical thought.
Respond to the critical question. Be sure to explain the reasoning behind your response.
Ask John for another source statement.
Take a side with whichever source statement you prefer. Explain your preference.
Agree with the previous speakers statement. Explain why.
Disagree with the previous speakers statement. Explain why.
Identify a (perhaps subtle) point of agreement between the two source statements. Ask a question
about that point of agreement thats meant to provoke critical thought.
Respond to the critical question. Be sure to explain the reasoning behind your response.
Agree in part with both source statements, but propose a third alternative. Explain why its better.
Agree with the previous speakers alternative, adding a because clause that explains why.

Lets play telephone

Johns source statement:

My students seem tired and stressed out. I should ask the University to cancel
the rest of the term and send everyone on a fabulous vacation.

Other teachers source statement:

Your students are tired and stressed out because they lack
discipline. You should double the work youre giving them.
1.

Agree with the source statement. Explain why.

2.

Disagree with the source statement. Explain why.

3.

Offer a more specific version of the source statement.

4.

5.

Disagree with the last speakers statement and offer an alternative. Explain why your alternative
is preferable.
Ask a question about the source statement meant to provoke critical thought.

Respond to the critical question. Be sure to explain the reasoning behind your response.
Ask John for another source statement.
Take a side with whichever source statement you prefer. Explain your preference.
Agree with the previous speakers statement. Explain why.
Disagree with the previous speakers statement. Explain why.
Identify a (perhaps subtle) point of agreement between the two source statements. Ask a question
about that point of agreement thats meant to provoke critical thought.
Respond to the critical question. Be sure to explain the reasoning behind your response.
Agree in part with both source statements, but propose a third alternative. Explain why its better.
Agree with the previous speakers alternative, adding a because clause that explains why.

Lets play telephone

Johns source statement:

My students seem tired and stressed out. I should ask the University to cancel the
rest of the term and send everyone on a fabulous vacation.

Other teachers source statement:

Your students are tired and stressed out because they lack discipline.
You should double the work youre giving them.
1.

Agree with the source statement. Explain why.

2.

Disagree with the source statement. Explain why.

3.

Offer a more specific version of the source statement.

4.

Disagree with the last speakers statement and offer an alternative. Explain why your alternative is
preferable.

5.

Ask a question about the source statement meant to provoke critical thought.

6.

Respond to the critical question. Be sure to explain the reasoning behind your response.

Ask John for another source statement.

Take a side with whichever source statement you prefer. Explain your preference.
Agree with the previous speakers statement. Explain why.
Disagree with the previous speakers statement. Explain why.
Identify a (perhaps subtle) point of agreement between the two source statements. Ask a question
about that point of agreement thats meant to provoke critical thought.
Respond to the critical question. Be sure to explain the reasoning behind your response.
Agree in part with both source statements, but propose a third alternative. Explain why its better.
Agree with the previous speakers alternative, adding a because clause that explains why.

Lets play telephone

Johns source statement:

My students seem tired and stressed out. I should ask the University to cancel
the rest of the term and send everyone on a fabulous vacation.

Other teachers source statement:

Your students are tired and stressed out because they lack
discipline. You should double the work youre giving them.
1.

Agree with the source statement. Explain why.

2.

Disagree with the source statement. Explain why.

3.

Offer a more specific version of the source statement.

4.

Disagree with the last speakers statement and offer an alternative. Explain why your alternative
is preferable.

5.

Ask a question about the source statement meant to provoke critical thought.

6.

Respond to the critical question. Be sure to explain the reasoning behind your response.

7.

Ask John for another source statement.

Take a side with whichever source statement you prefer. Explain your preference.
Agree with the previous speakers statement. Explain why.
Disagree with the previous speakers statement. Explain why.
Identify a (perhaps subtle) point of agreement between the two source statements. Ask a question
about that point of agreement thats meant to provoke critical thought.
Respond to the critical question. Be sure to explain the reasoning behind your response.
Agree in part with both source statements, but propose a third alternative. Explain why its better.
Agree with the previous speakers alternative, adding a because clause that explains why.

Lets play telephone

Johns source statement:

My students seem tired and stressed out. I should ask the University to cancel
the rest of the term and send everyone on a fabulous vacation.

Other teachers source statement:

Your students are tired and stressed out because they lack
discipline. You should double the work youre giving them.
1.

Agree with the source statement. Explain why.

2.

Disagree with the source statement. Explain why.

3.

Offer a more specific version of the source statement.

4.

Disagree with the last speakers statement and offer an alternative. Explain why your alternative
is preferable.

5.

Ask a question about the source statement meant to provoke critical thought.

6.

Respond to the critical question. Be sure to explain the reasoning behind your response.

7.

Ask John for another source statement.

Take a side with whichever source statement you prefer. Explain your preference.
Agree with the previous speakers statement. Explain why.
Disagree with the previous speakers statement. Explain why.
Identify a (perhaps subtle) point of agreement between the two source statements. Ask a question
about that point of agreement thats meant to provoke critical thought.
Respond to the critical question. Be sure to explain the reasoning behind your response.
Agree in part with both source statements, but propose a third alternative. Explain why its better.
Agree with the previous speakers alternative, adding a because clause that explains why.

Lets play telephone

Johns source statement:

My students seem tired and stressed out. I should ask the University to cancel
the rest of the term and send everyone on a fabulous vacation.

Other teachers source statement:

Your students are tired and stressed out because they lack
discipline. You should double the work youre giving them.
1.

Agree with the source statement. Explain why.

2.

Disagree with the source statement. Explain why.

3.

Offer a more specific version of the source statement.

4.

Disagree with the last speakers statement and offer an alternative. Explain why your alternative
is preferable.

5.

Ask a question about the source statement meant to provoke critical thought.

6.

Respond to the critical question. Be sure to explain the reasoning behind your response.

7.

Ask John for another source statement.

8.

Take a side with whichever source statement you prefer. Explain your preference.

Agree with the previous speakers statement. Explain why.

Disagree with the previous speakers statement. Explain why.
Identify a (perhaps subtle) point of agreement between the two source statements. Ask a question
about that point of agreement thats meant to provoke critical thought.
Respond to the critical question. Be sure to explain the reasoning behind your response.
Agree in part with both source statements, but propose a third alternative. Explain why its better.
Agree with the previous speakers alternative, adding a because clause that explains why.

Lets play telephone

Johns source statement:

My students seem tired and stressed out. I should ask the University to cancel
the rest of the term and send everyone on a fabulous vacation.

Other teachers source statement:

Your students are tired and stressed out because they lack
discipline. You should double the work youre giving them.
1.

Agree with the source statement. Explain why.

2.

Disagree with the source statement. Explain why.

3.

Offer a more specific version of the source statement.

4.

Disagree with the last speakers statement and offer an alternative. Explain why your alternative
is preferable.

5.

Ask a question about the source statement meant to provoke critical thought.

6.

Respond to the critical question. Be sure to explain the reasoning behind your response.

7.

Ask John for another source statement.

8.

Take a side with whichever source statement you prefer. Explain your preference.

9.

Agree with the previous speakers statement. Explain why.

Disagree with the previous speakers statement. Explain why.

Identify a (perhaps subtle) point of agreement between the two source statements. Ask a question
about that point of agreement thats meant to provoke critical thought.
Respond to the critical question. Be sure to explain the reasoning behind your response.
Agree in part with both source statements, but propose a third alternative. Explain why its better.
Agree with the previous speakers alternative, adding a because clause that explains why.

Lets play telephone

Johns source statement:

My students seem tired and stressed out. I should ask the University to cancel
the rest of the term and send everyone on a fabulous vacation.

Other teachers source statement:

Your students are tired and stressed out because they lack
discipline. You should double the work youre giving them.
1.

Agree with the source statement. Explain why.

2.

Disagree with the source statement. Explain why.

3.

Offer a more specific version of the source statement.

4.

Disagree with the last speakers statement and offer an alternative. Explain why your alternative
is preferable.

5.

Ask a question about the source statement meant to provoke critical thought.

6.

Respond to the critical question. Be sure to explain the reasoning behind your response.

7.

Ask John for another source statement.

8.

Take a side with whichever source statement you prefer. Explain your preference.

9.

Agree with the previous speakers statement. Explain why.

10.

Disagree with the previous speakers statement. Explain why.

Identify a (perhaps subtle) point of agreement between the two source statements. Ask a question
about that point of agreement thats meant to provoke critical thought.
Respond to the critical question. Be sure to explain the reasoning behind your response.
Agree in part with both source statements, but propose a third alternative. Explain why its better.
Agree with the previous speakers alternative, adding a because clause that explains why.

Lets play telephone

Johns source statement:

My students seem tired and stressed out. I should ask the University to cancel
the rest of the term and send everyone on a fabulous vacation.

Other teachers source statement:

Your students are tired and stressed out because they lack
discipline. You should double the work youre giving them.
1.

Agree with the source statement. Explain why.

2.

Disagree with the source statement. Explain why.

3.

Offer a more specific version of the source statement.

4.

Disagree with the last speakers statement and offer an alternative. Explain why your alternative
is preferable.

5.

Ask a question about the source statement meant to provoke critical thought.

6.

Respond to the critical question. Be sure to explain the reasoning behind your response.

7.

Ask John for another source statement.

8.

Take a side with whichever source statement you prefer. Explain your preference.

9.

Agree with the previous speakers statement. Explain why.

10.

Disagree with the previous speakers statement. Explain why.

11.

Identify a (perhaps subtle) point of agreement between the two source statements.
Ask a question about that point of agreement thats meant to provoke critical thought.

Respond to the critical question. Be sure to explain the reasoning behind your response.
Agree in part with both source statements, but propose a third alternative. Explain why its better.
Agree with the previous speakers alternative, adding a because clause that explains why.

Lets play telephone

Johns source statement:

My students seem tired and stressed out. I should ask the University to cancel the
rest of the term and send everyone on a fabulous vacation.

Other teachers source statement:

Your students are tired and stressed out because they lack discipline.
You should double the work youre giving them.
1.

Agree with the source statement. Explain why.

2.

Disagree with the source statement. Explain why.

3.

Offer a more specific version of the source statement.

4.

Disagree with the last speakers statement and offer an alternative. Explain why your alternative is
preferable.

5.

Ask a question about the source statement meant to provoke critical thought.

6.

Respond to the critical question. Be sure to explain the reasoning behind your response.

7.

Ask John for another source statement.

8.

Take a side with whichever source statement you prefer. Explain your preference.

9.

Agree with the previous speakers statement. Explain why.

10.

Disagree with the previous speakers statement. Explain why.

11.

12.

Identify a (perhaps subtle) point of agreement between the two source statements. Ask a question
about that point of agreement thats meant to provoke critical thought.
Respond to the critical question. Be sure to explain the reasoning behind your response.

Agree in part with both source statements, but propose a third alternative. Explain why its better.
Agree with the previous speakers alternative, adding a because clause that explains why.

Lets play telephone

Johns source statement:

My students seem tired and stressed out. I should ask the University to cancel the
rest of the term and send everyone on a fabulous vacation.

Other teachers source statement:

Your students are tired and stressed out because they lack discipline.
You should double the work youre giving them.
1.

Agree with the source statement. Explain why.

2.

Disagree with the source statement. Explain why.

3.

Offer a more specific version of the source statement.

4.

Disagree with the last speakers statement and offer an alternative. Explain why your alternative is
preferable.

5.

Ask a question about the source statement meant to provoke critical thought.

6.

Respond to the critical question. Be sure to explain the reasoning behind your response.

7.

Ask John for another source statement.

8.

Take a side with whichever source statement you prefer. Explain your preference.

9.

Agree with the previous speakers statement. Explain why.

10.

Disagree with the previous speakers statement. Explain why.

11.

12.
13.

Identify a (perhaps subtle) point of agreement between the two source statements. Ask a question
about that point of agreement thats meant to provoke critical thought.
Respond to the critical question. Be sure to explain the reasoning behind your response.
Agree in part with both source statements, but propose a third alternative. Explain why
its better.

Agree with the previous speakers alternative, adding a because clause that explains why.

Lets play telephone

Johns source statement:

My students seem tired and stressed out. I should ask the University to cancel the
rest of the term and send everyone on a fabulous vacation.

Other teachers source statement:

Your students are tired and stressed out because they lack discipline.
You should double the work youre giving them.
1.

Agree with the source statement. Explain why.

2.

Disagree with the source statement. Explain why.

3.

Offer a more specific version of the source statement.

4.

Disagree with the last speakers statement and offer an alternative. Explain why your alternative is
preferable.

5.

Ask a question about the source statement meant to provoke critical thought.

6.

Respond to the critical question. Be sure to explain the reasoning behind your response.

7.

Ask John for another source statement.

8.

Take a side with whichever source statement you prefer. Explain your preference.

9.

Agree with the previous speakers statement. Explain why.

10.

Disagree with the previous speakers statement. Explain why.

11.

Identify a (perhaps subtle) point of agreement between the two source statements. Ask a question
about that point of agreement thats meant to provoke critical thought.

12.

Respond to the critical question. Be sure to explain the reasoning behind your response.

13.

Agree in part with both source statements, but propose a third alternative. Explain why its better.

14.

Agree with the previous speakers alternative, adding a because clause that explains
why.

Conversational strategies

Agreement and disagreement

Specification and generalization

Critical questioning and response

Synthesizing ideas and generating new ones

Conversational strategies

Agreement and disagreement

Specification and generalization

Critical questioning and response

Synthesizing ideas and generating new ones

The city in its complete sense, then, is a geographic plexus, an economic
organization, an institutional process, a theater of social action, and an aesthetic
symbol of collective unity (185).
~ Lewis Mumford, What Is a City?
In recent years, culture has also become a more explicit site of conflicts over social
differences and urban fears. . . (2). The look and feel of cities reflect decisions about
what and who should be visible and what should not. . . (7).
~ Sharon Zukin, The Culture of Cities

Conversational strategies
Compose a 3-parargaph introduction to your
interpretive section.
The first paragraph should should summarize what,
for you, are the key points in either Mumfords text or
Zukins
The second paragraph should summarize the other
writers argument, focusing on the points of
convergence or divergence with the key points you
identified in the first writer.
The third paragraph should state your thesis and put
it into conversation with the Mumford and Zukin.