The purpose of this exercise is to remind you that you are forming an argument within the context of an ongoing conversation about a given topic. Within this conversation, participants will inevitably touch upon certain common ideas, and very possibly they will develop claims that directly contrast with those of other participants.

For this exercise, animate some of the opposing claims that you have encountered in your reading. Create a fictional dialogue between several of the authors you have read so far, but you must use at least three authors. Be sure to give each claim equal development, and avoid oversimplifying (even when discussing an idea with which you do not agree).

Use the following chart to organize your ideas before you begin writing. Also, as you begin to write, incorporate summary, paraphrase, and direct quotes. Note: As you write your dialogue, quote directly from your sources, and structure it like you would see a printed interview. For example,

Author one: I would agree with ....(author's name) because I too, am aware of the dangers of violence in the media. For instance, in a recent study, "direct quote from resource material" (cite the source). This is an important point to remember because.. (provide some analysis of why the quote is important - the "so what"). Make sure you practice good quotation sandwiches (TSIS), and not ‘hit and run' quotations.

Author two: Although author one makes a good point; however, I have found in my research that, "direct quote." My claim has merit as well because ....

Author three: Although I agree with author one, author two's point here has merit. I believe .....