A Method for Reading

A Method for Reading, Writing, and Thinking Critically

            The general point made by Kathleen McCormick in her work, A Method for Reading, Writing, and Thinking Critically, is that there are more than right or wrong opinions, answers, or two sides to a story. More specifically, McCormick argues that “…As a country, we do not possess a wide spectrum of ways to adequately understand or negotiate complex positions… Differences are most often discussed [as]… absolute right and wrong, black and white; there is a clear winner and loser.” (Page 21) In this passage, McCormick is suggesting that there are grey shades in differences and positions, rather than have only one or the other. In conclusion, it is McCormick’s belief that we need to think more critically and stop seeing things in only two ways, instead of not paying attention to the details.

       In my view, McCormick is right because there are many details in positions rather than right and wrong. Oftentimes, it’s hard to see the grey areas in something because we are so fixed in a way of thinking that something is either one way or another. For example, some people are pro-life (meaning they are against abortion), while others are pro-choice (which believe in women’s rights) in the controversial issue, abortion. Although McCormick might object that abortion does have absolute sides, I maintain that there are deeper details in every opinion or stand. Therefore, I conclude that I do agree with McCormick that there is more to an opinion than the rigid reasons of right or wrong.