1. Two reasons why engaging others views are important in academic writing would be because it gives the text point as well as solidifies the authors words. Without quotes and others views it wouldn’t give the the piece an argumentative factor. Without this crucial factor there is no point in saying anything in the paper, it would be a statement. For example, both Birkenstein and Graff mention “If it weren’t for other people and our need to challenge… there would be no reason to argue at all.” (Birkenstein and Graff, 3) Overall, others opinions help to shape another’s viewpoint, it allows for contrast. In addition to this, other opinions help to either backup an authors opinion by complimenting it or it helps to show the drastic difference and allow for the reader to make a decision on the topic. Again allowing for contrast or aiding in supporting a viewpoint because others believe in or feel the same way as the author.
  2. One way to deal with this tension would be to begin with an opposing/supporting viewpoint and then a couple sentences  after explain the thesis. This will allow for strength, whether it be contrast or in similarity. I believe a piece should definitely start off with other words because as Birkenstein and Graff wrote, every opinion stems from someone. Whether it be “because someone has said or done something (or perhaps not said or done something).”(Birkenstein and Graff, 3)
  3. A passage that I found that explains the authors recommendations for quoting would be “To adequately frame a quotation, you need to insert it into what we like to call a ‘quotation sandwich,’ with the statement introducing it serving as the top slice of bread and the explanation following it serving as the bottom slice.” (47)  This quote is very similar to what my teachers would tell me in highschool. They believed in the sandwiching method as well as the do nots mentioned at the end of the chapter and due to this I practiced these very frequently.