They Say I Say With Readings

Navigating the world of academic discourse can feel like walking into a crowded room where everyone is already engaged in conversation. You're trying to understand what's being said, who's arguing with whom, and what your own perspective might be. This is where the "They Say / I Say" framework, as outlined in the book of the same name by Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein, becomes invaluable. It provides practical tools and templates for understanding and participating in complex academic conversations, ultimately making you a more confident and effective writer and thinker. "They Say / I Say" with readings enhances this framework by incorporating diverse texts, allowing you to see the principles in action and apply them to your own analysis.

Understanding the Core Principles

At its heart, "They Say / I Say" emphasizes the importance of entering into conversation with others rather than simply presenting your own ideas in a vacuum. It encourages you to:

• Summarize what "they say" accurately and fairly: Before you can offer your own opinion, you need to represent the views of others in a way that they would recognize. This involves not just stating their claims but also understanding their underlying assumptions and motivations.
• Respond to what "they say" with your own argument: Once you've established the existing conversation, you can position your own ideas in relation to it. This might involve agreeing, disagreeing, or some combination of both.
• Provide clear signals to guide your reader: Use transitional phrases and signal words to indicate how your ideas relate to the views of others. This helps your reader follow your argument and understand the connections between different perspectives.

These principles are crucial for engaging in productive academic discourse. They ensure that you're not just talking at people but rather with them, fostering a spirit of intellectual exchange and collaboration.

The Power of Templates

One of the most distinctive features of "They Say / I Say" is its use of templates. These templates provide concrete language that you can use to structure your writing and signal your relationship to the views of others. Some examples include:

• Introducing what "they say":

  • "Many people assume that ____________."
  • "It is often said that ____________."
  • "My whole life I have heard it said that ____________."

• Introducing a standard view:

  • "Americans today tend to believe that ____________."
  • "Conventional wisdom has it that ____________."
  • "Common sense seems to dictate that ____________."

• Disagreeing, with reasons:

  • "I disagree with X's view that ____________ because, as recent research has shown, ____________."
  • "X is mistaken because she overlooks ____________."
  • "X's claim that ____________ rests upon the questionable assumption that ____________."

• Agreeing, with a difference:

  • "I agree that ____________, a point that needs emphasizing since so many people believe ____________."
  • "X is surely right about ____________ because, as she may not be aware, recent studies have shown that ____________."
  • "X's theory of ____________ is extremely useful because it sheds light on the difficult problem of ____________."

• Agreeing and disagreeing simultaneously:

  • "Although I agree with X up to a point, I still insist that ____________."
  • "While X is probably right about ____________, I am convinced that ____________."
  • "My feelings on the issue are mixed. I do support X's position that ____________, but I find Y's argument about ____________ more persuasive."

These templates are not meant to be used rigidly or formulaically. Rather, they serve as starting points that you can adapt and modify to suit your specific needs. They provide a framework for organizing your thoughts and signaling your position to your reader.

The Importance of Active Reading

"They Say / I Say with Readings" takes the core principles and templates of the original book and applies them to a diverse collection of essays and articles. This allows you to see how professional writers engage in academic conversation and how they use various strategies to position their own ideas in relation to the views of others.

To get the most out of these readings, it's important to engage in active reading. This involves:

• Identifying the main argument: What is the author trying to persuade you to believe?
• Summarizing the "they say": What are the views that the author is responding to? How does the author represent these views?
• Analyzing the "I say": What is the author's own position on the issue? How does the author support this position?
• Identifying the rhetorical strategies: What techniques does the author use to persuade the reader? How does the author signal their relationship to the views of others?

By actively engaging with the readings, you can gain a deeper understanding of how the "They Say / I Say" framework works in practice. You can also learn new strategies for structuring your own arguments and engaging in academic conversation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While "They Say / I Say" provides a valuable framework for academic writing, it's important to avoid some common mistakes:

• The "dunce cap" mistake: This occurs when you misrepresent the views of others in order to make your own argument seem stronger. This is not only unfair but also undermines your credibility.
• The "yes/no" move without explanation: Simply agreeing or disagreeing with someone without providing any reasons or evidence is not a persuasive argument. You need to explain why you agree or disagree and provide evidence to support your position.
• The "I'm right, they're wrong" mentality: Academic conversation is not about winning or losing. It's about exploring different perspectives and arriving at a more nuanced understanding of the issue. Avoid being overly critical or dismissive of opposing viewpoints.
• Ignoring the "they say": Presenting your own ideas without acknowledging the existing conversation is like talking to yourself in a crowded room. You need to show that you're aware of the views of others and that you're engaging with them in a meaningful way.
• Using templates rigidly: The templates in "They Say / I Say" are meant to be adapted and modified to suit your specific needs. Don't be afraid to experiment with different language and sentence structures.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your writing is clear, persuasive, and respectful of other viewpoints.

Applying "They Say / I Say" Across Disciplines

The principles of "They Say / I Say" are applicable across a wide range of disciplines, from the humanities to the sciences. Whether you're writing a history paper, a literature review, or a scientific report, the ability to engage in conversation with others is essential.

• In the humanities: You might use "They Say / I Say" to analyze different interpretations of a literary text, to compare and contrast historical accounts of an event, or to evaluate the arguments of different philosophers.
• In the social sciences: You might use "They Say / I Say" to review existing research on a particular topic, to present your own findings in relation to those of others, or to critique the methods used by other researchers.
• In the sciences: You might use "They Say / I Say" to introduce a scientific problem, to summarize previous research on the topic, to present your own findings, and to discuss the implications of your work.

No matter what your field of study, "They Say / I Say" can help you become a more effective communicator and a more critical thinker.

Moving Beyond the Basics: Nuance and Complexity

Once you've mastered the basic principles of "They Say / I Say," you can begin to explore more nuanced and complex strategies for engaging in academic conversation. This might involve:

• Identifying unspoken assumptions: What are the underlying beliefs and values that inform a particular argument?
• Recognizing logical fallacies: Are there any flaws in the reasoning of a particular argument?
• Considering multiple perspectives: How might different people or groups view the issue?
• Acknowledging the limitations of your own argument: What are the potential weaknesses or counterarguments to your own position?

By engaging with these more complex issues, you can demonstrate a deeper understanding of the topic and a greater level of intellectual sophistication.

"They Say / I Say" and Critical Thinking

"They Say / I Say" is not just a writing strategy; it's also a powerful tool for critical thinking. By forcing you to engage with the views of others, it encourages you to question your own assumptions, to consider alternative perspectives, and to develop a more nuanced understanding of the issue.

Critical thinking involves:

• Analyzing information: Breaking down complex ideas into their component parts and evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of each part.
• Evaluating evidence: Assessing the credibility and relevance of different sources of information.
• Forming judgments: Drawing conclusions based on careful analysis and evaluation.
• Solving problems: Identifying and addressing complex issues using critical thinking skills.

"They Say / I Say" can help you develop these critical thinking skills by providing a framework for analyzing and evaluating the arguments of others.

Enhancing Your Voice and Authority

While "They Say / I Say" emphasizes the importance of engaging with the views of others, it's also important to develop your own voice and authority as a writer. This involves:

• Using clear and concise language: Avoid jargon and overly complex sentence structures.
• Providing strong evidence to support your claims: Use facts, statistics, examples, and anecdotes to make your argument more persuasive.
• Acknowledging the limitations of your own argument: Be honest about the potential weaknesses or counterarguments to your position.
• Demonstrating a genuine interest in the topic: Show that you care about the issue and that you're committed to exploring it in a thoughtful and rigorous way.

By developing your own voice and authority, you can make your writing more engaging and persuasive.

The Role of Research

Research plays a crucial role in "They Say / I Say." In order to accurately summarize the views of others and to develop your own informed perspective, you need to engage in thorough research. This might involve:

• Reading widely: Explore a variety of sources, including books, articles, websites, and primary documents.
• Taking notes: Record key ideas, quotes, and arguments that you encounter in your research.
• Evaluating sources: Assess the credibility and relevance of each source.
• Synthesizing information: Combine information from different sources to create a coherent understanding of the topic.

By conducting thorough research, you can ensure that your writing is accurate, informed, and persuasive.

Engaging with Counterarguments

One of the most important aspects of "They Say / I Say" is the ability to engage with counterarguments. This involves acknowledging and responding to potential objections to your own position. By addressing counterarguments, you can demonstrate that you've considered the issue from multiple perspectives and that you're confident in your own position.

When engaging with counterarguments, it's important to:

• Represent the counterargument fairly: Don't misrepresent or distort the views of others.
• Acknowledge the validity of the counterargument: Admit that there may be some truth to the opposing viewpoint.
• Provide a rebuttal: Explain why the counterargument is ultimately unpersuasive or why your own position is still stronger.

By engaging with counterarguments, you can make your writing more persuasive and demonstrate your intellectual honesty.

Adapting "They Say / I Say" for Different Audiences

The principles of "They Say / I Say" can be adapted for different audiences, from academic readers to general audiences. When writing for a general audience, it's important to:

• Use clear and simple language: Avoid jargon and technical terms.
• Provide context: Explain the background and significance of the issue.
• Use examples and anecdotes: Make your argument more relatable and engaging.
• Avoid being overly academic: Focus on the practical implications of your ideas.

By adapting your writing to your audience, you can ensure that your message is clear, persuasive, and effective.

"They Say / I Say" and Collaboration

"They Say / I Say" can also be used as a tool for collaboration. By working with others to analyze and evaluate different perspectives, you can develop a more nuanced understanding of the issue and arrive at a more informed conclusion.

Collaboration can involve:

• Brainstorming: Sharing ideas and perspectives with others.
• Peer review: Providing feedback on each other's writing.
• Group discussions: Engaging in conversations about the topic.
• Joint projects: Working together to research and write about the issue.

By collaborating with others, you can enhance your learning and improve the quality of your work.

The Importance of Practice

Like any skill, effective writing requires practice. The more you use the principles of "They Say / I Say," the more comfortable and confident you'll become.

To improve your writing, try:

• Writing regularly: Set aside time each day or week to write.
• Seeking feedback: Ask others to read your writing and provide constructive criticism.
• Analyzing the writing of others: Identify how professional writers use "They Say / I Say" techniques.
• Experimenting with different styles and approaches: Don't be afraid to try new things and see what works best for you.

By practicing regularly and seeking feedback, you can develop your writing skills and become a more effective communicator.

Conclusion: Mastering the Art of Academic Conversation

"They Say / I Say with Readings" offers a powerful and practical framework for navigating the complexities of academic discourse. By mastering the principles of summarizing, responding, and signaling, you can become a more confident and effective writer and thinker. The key is to practice, engage actively with the readings, and adapt the templates to suit your own unique voice and perspective. Remember, academic conversation is not about winning or losing; it's about exploring different perspectives and arriving at a more nuanced understanding of the issue. So, embrace the "They Say / I Say" framework and join the conversation!