When addressing the ways I utilized my sources to provide evidence to my claims, I oftentimes used them as launching points, so to speak. I typically used the sources in ways which gives the reader insight about the authors and their specific opinions before butting in my own beliefs. Utilizing Barclay’s formula, it made my writing much more effective, as I was able to seamlessly weave together two sources of which argued two contrasting points. With this form of structure, this made my overall rebuttals much more effective. For example, on the topic of neuroplasticity as it pertains to the younger generation, I allowed for both authors Sam Anderson as well as one of my peers, Liv Arvidson, to present their claims. Since the writing only focused on one piece at a time, each source utilized made a very strong argument. Once these claims were established, I bounced my beliefs between both sources to help convey my thoughts to the readers of my article.

I also typically allow room for a small justification in between sources to serve as a transition of thoughts. For example: on the same topic of our youth’s neuroplasticity, Arvidson directly shares in her statement about how she feels about technology’s effects on kids: “I feel that enough is enough. I grew up in the perfect time when it came to electronics. Kids my age did not grow up with screens shoved in our faces, because they had not come out yet. We did not get phones as 7-year-olds, but often in middle- or high school. However, we also had enough exposure growing up that we know how to work the technology that we need to live in this world today. We are in the neutral zone; we have not had too much exposure like the younger kids, but we had enough that we are not clueless now.” With much expression, Arvidson doesn’t fail to include the observations she sees of the younger generation. She makes a distinct remark on the variations of technological exposure, noting that there have been different effects on our younger counterparts depending on the age and frequency of such introductions” (Briggs 3-4).

Ultimately, I find Barclay’s formula to be very effective at feeding the reader all the information required. Not only does this method leave no room for question, but it allows for an intriguing and compelling representation of the passage for readers to digest. Reflecting on my writing before this course, I’ve found that this method is a much more powerful tool to compare sources compared to my old habits. It allows for a much easier-to-follow thought process and makes outlining articles much more efficient!