Swales and Greene: Summary and Response

In Swales's "Create a Research Space' (CARS) Model of Research Introductions," he argues that one can improve his or her writing of a research paper by filling the gap of a topic known as "niche." There are three different moves that one could use: to establish a territory, to establish a niche, and to occupy a niche. In establishing a territory, he talks about claiming centrality, making topic generalizations, or reviewing previous items of research. He also states that one can establish a niche by counter-claiming, indicating a gap on the topic, raising questions, or presenting the research as a useful extension of currently existing research (also known as the "traditional" method). In order to conclude and occupy the niche, he talks about how one has to outline their purposes, announce their research or principal findings, and indicate the structure of the research article.

Swales's article was intriguing, yet also concise and to the point. When it comes to guiding research papers, many has trouble with figuring out ways to improve their writing abilities. Swales provides a step-by-step research paper that provides the reader a structure on how a research paper should look like in order to convey their message and be persuasive on their topic. What is interesting is that he redefines the word, "niche." According to dictionary.com, the meaning of niche is, "a place or position suitable or appropriate for a person or thing." Swales tells the reader that the niche of a subject is a space that needs to filled in with further research. Swales's instructions are easy to read and descriptive. It is an efficient guide to writing a proper research paper.

In Greene's "Argument as Conversation," he states that argument is progressive in our academic environment and that arguments are the same as conversations. He believes it is important to prepare and learn about the subjects of the argument by listening and researching before one joins the argument. He also declares that all arguments are interconnected and that it is continuous. He brings up that the way we position ourselves depend on three things: which previously stated arguments we share, which previously stated arguments we want to refute, and what new opinions and supporting information we will add to the discussion. He argues one must understand the conflict of both sides and not just look for details to support one's own ideas. Details and positions may not always invalidate the other's ideas. By forming a good question that can be answered through further research, one learns for whom the argument is for. Framing is important as one wants the readers to understand his or her perspective. Research then becomes a social process as one must learn to know how to enter a conversation.

It is fascinating how Greene reshapes the word, "framing." People know the word to mean as a border that fits around a picture. In this case, he describes it as "a metaphor for describing the lends, or perspective, from which writers present their arguments" (Greene 14). Greene makes interesting points for using framing as a strategy of writing, reading, and doing research. By including framing in the argument, one would obtain further conversation on the subject. The topic then becomes more engaging as a result. He also used Kenneth Burke's passage as a comparison of how arguments are conversations. It is interesting to know that whether or not one is not a part of the argument, the conversation lives on, but one can help contribute to it. No matter how many details one tries to use against his or her opponent, the discussion remains interminable.