Arguing Differently?

I really liked that the Kroll article identified specific techniques that writers – especially less experienced writers – can use to make their arguments less oppositional and confrontational.  I particularly thought that the section on introductions that demonstrate an empathetic understanding of the opposing viewpoints would be useful for writers. However, I find Krall’s article a bit too insistent on the prevalence of oppositional argumentation in beginning composition students. 

My experience in the Writing Center so far has not led me to believe that a too heavy reliance on argumentation is a real problem faced by incoming composition students. Instead, it much more often seems to me that students either don’t realize that they’re supposed to make an argument or that they don’t know how to make one at all. It seems to me as thought in order to teach someone how to use multiple modes of argument, he or she must first understand what an argument is and should do in the first place.  I think the problem Krall identifies is likely more of a problem for intermediate composition students rather than beginning students.