Explanation versus Argument

My students like to say that an author suggests, explains, or informs. They are reluctant to state that the author claims, argues, or contends.

Suggestions, explanations, and information are safe and sure. Facts are facts. No evaluation is needed.

And so they buy into everything we read.

I am reading papers about de Waal. He informs. He explains. He suggests.

No. De Waal argues that he is right and the rest of the world, anyone who disagrees with him, is wrong.

In rhetoric, we identify his argument and his claims, we evaluate the way he says it, and we determine the effectiveness of his argument. We find what others have to say about it.

We don't just repeat it.

I must remember to communicate this to students next time around. Sigh.

Or even this time around.