Freewriting allows the writer to crystallize thoughts in preparation for a final paper or oral debate. Another strategy is engaging in dialogue with others. As Goshgarian et al. point out, the dialogue does not have to be limited to conversation. It can include brainstorming together, soliciting of responses to one's freewriting, and interviews. The dialogue can be face-to-face or via electronic resources such as chat rooms, e-mail or listservs (Goshgarian et al. 70). Dialogue enables the writer to gather other opinions and perspectives. The writer may or may not change her mind; even if she does not, she gains an understanding of other's arguments and can use them as a starting point for the research that will support her own views in a debate.

The debate topic, that the...

The topic is often of considerable importance in the political arena, where candidates argue in favor of traditional family values or, conversely, support gay marriage. It is a topic for which there are ample resources, on the Internet and in any library's periodical holdings, that can support either side. Exploring the topic from all perspectives, as in a debate, helps us achieve the course goal of using debate and writing to become better informed citizens.
Works Cited

Goshgarian, Gary, Krueger, Kathleen, and Minc, Janet Barnett. Dialogues: An Argument Rhetoric and Reader. 4th ed. Boston: Addison Wesley, 2003. Print.