---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: That is to say, the process of working…"
description: "\"“That is to say, the process of working through an argument is the process of inquiry” (2011, xxii; emphasis in original). The approach Hillocks sugges..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8f9/kelly-gallagher-23173_quote_that-is-to-say-the-process-of-working-th_209496.jpg"
---

#  That is to say, the process of working through an argument…

![“That is to say, the process of working through an argument is the process of inquiry” (2011, xxii; emphasis in original). The approach Hillocks suggests is the opposite of the traditional approach to teaching the argument paper, where a student starts with a claim and then begins to find evidence…” quote by Kelly Gallagher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8f9/kelly-gallagher-23173_quote_that-is-to-say-the-process-of-working-th_209496.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8f9/kelly-gallagher-23173_quote_that-is-to-say-the-process-of-working-th_209496.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8f9/kelly-gallagher-23173_quote_that-is-to-say-the-process-of-working-th_209496.jpg)

> ““That is to say, the process of working through an argument is the process of inquiry” (2011, xxii; emphasis in original). The approach Hillocks suggests is the opposite of the traditional approach to teaching the argument paper, where a student starts with a claim and then begins to find evidence that supports the claim. Instead, Hillocks says that students should start with inquiry. They should “swim” in issues until interesting arguments begin to emerge.””

[Kelly Gallagher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kelly-gallagher/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Inquiry‑driven argumentation encourages students to explore issues deeply before forming claims, fostering genuine insight.

**In simple terms:** Explore issues first, then argue.

Key Takeaway

Start with questions, not conclusions.

Themes

education critical thinking argumentation

Mood

inspirational analytical

Type

educational philosophical

When to use this quote

- classroom debates
- research projects
- policy analysis

Key Concepts

pedagogy inquiry dialectic

Questions to Reflect On

- What questions can spark a strong argument?
- How do you balance inquiry with structure?

A Different Perspective

Students may struggle without a clear claim to guide research, leading to vague outcomes.

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