They Say I Say: Full Book Overview

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They Say I Say: Full Book Overview

In this writing guide, "They Say I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing," Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein introduce a framework for developing effective academic writing. The book is designed to help writers navigate the complexities of academic discourse and to communicate their ideas clearly and persuasively. Graff and Birkenstein argue that academic writing is not merely about presenting information but also about engaging in a conversation with other scholars, responding to their ideas, and developing one's own unique perspective.

The book's central concept is the "move," which is defined as a rhetorical strategy that writers use to position themselves in relation to other sources and ideas. Graff and Birkenstein identify several key moves, including summarizing, quoting, paraphrasing, and responding. They explain how each move can be used to advance a writer's argument and to create a cohesive and persuasive text.

they say i say full book

Key Points:

  • Moves in academic writing
  • Summarizing and quoting
  • Paraphrasing and responding
  • Entering the conversation
  • Establishing a stance
  • Developing an argument
  • Using evidence effectively
  • Creating a cohesive text

Summary: They Say I Say provides a practical and accessible guide to academic writing, helping writers to navigate the complexities of academic discourse and to communicate their ideas clearly and persuasively.

Moves in academic writing

In They Say I Say, Graff and Birkenstein identify several key moves that writers can use to position themselves in relation to other sources and ideas. These moves are essential for developing an effective and persuasive academic argument.

  • Summarizing

    Summarizing involves presenting the main points of a source or argument in your own words. This can be useful for introducing a topic, providing background information, or highlighting key evidence.

  • Quoting

    Quoting involves reproducing the exact words of a source. This can be used to support an argument, to provide evidence, or to illustrate a point. When quoting, it is important to use quotation marks and to cite the source correctly.

  • Paraphrasing

    Paraphrasing involves restating the ideas of a source in your own words. This can be useful for avoiding plagiarism, for clarifying a complex idea, or for making a source more accessible. When paraphrasing, it is important to maintain the meaning of the original text and to cite the source correctly.

  • Responding

    Responding involves engaging with the ideas of a source, either by agreeing, disagreeing, or offering a new perspective. This can be done through direct address, through the use of rhetorical questions, or through the use of counterarguments. Responding to sources is an essential part of academic writing, as it allows you to demonstrate your understanding of the material and to develop your own unique argument.

By using these moves strategically, writers can create a cohesive and persuasive academic text that demonstrates their understanding of the material and their ability to engage in a scholarly conversation.

Summarizing and quoting

Summarizing is an essential skill for academic writing. It allows you to present the main points of a source or argument in your own words, which can be useful for introducing a topic, providing background information, or highlighting key evidence. When summarizing, it is important to be accurate and concise, and to avoid plagiarism by using your own words and citing the source correctly.

Quoting is another important skill for academic writing. It involves reproducing the exact words of a source, which can be used to support an argument, to provide evidence, or to illustrate a point. When quoting, it is important to use quotation marks and to cite the source correctly. Quoting can be used sparingly to add emphasis or authority to your argument, but it is generally best to paraphrase sources in your own words.

Here are some tips for summarizing and quoting effectively:

  • Read the source carefully and identify the main points.
  • Put the main points into your own words.
  • Be accurate and concise.
  • Use quotation marks when reproducing the exact words of a source.
  • Cite the source correctly.

By following these tips, you can use summarizing and quoting effectively to support your arguments and to demonstrate your understanding of the material.

Paragraph after details:

Summarizing and quoting are two essential moves in academic writing. By using these moves strategically, you can create a cohesive and persuasive text that demonstrates your understanding of the material and your ability to engage in a scholarly conversation.

Paraphrasing and Citing

Paraphrasing is an important skill in academic writing that involves restating the ideas of a source in your own words. It is a useful way to avoid inadvertently plagiarizing someone else's work and to demonstrate your understanding of the material. Here are some tips for paraphrasing effectively: - Read the source carefully and identify the main points. - Put the main points into your own words. - Be sure to cite the source correctly using either MLA, APA, or any other citation style appropriate for your discipline. - Use quotation marks if you are using the exact words of the source. - Use a variety of synonyms and different sentence structures to avoid using too many words from the original source. - Make sure that your paraphrase is accurate and conveys the same meaning as the original source. Paraphrasing can be used in a variety of contexts, such as: - Providing background information on a topic. - Supporting an argument with evidence from a source. - Explaining a complex idea in simpler terms. - Creating a summary of a source. - Avoiding inadvertently plagiarizing someone else's work. By following these tips, you can paraphrase sources effectively and avoid inadvertently plagiarizing someone else's work. Paraphrasing is an essential move in academic writing. By using this move, you can demonstrate your understanding of the material and avoid inadvertently plagiarizing someone else's work.

Entering the Conversation

Details of point:

Academic writing is a conversation. When you write an academic paper, you are entering into a conversation with other scholars who have written on the same or similar topics. Your job is to contribute to this conversation by adding your own unique perspective.

To enter the conversation, you need to do the following:

  • Read widely and critically. This means reading the work of other scholars in your field and thinking carefully about their arguments. What do you agree with? What do you disagree with? What new insights can you offer?
  • Identify your own unique perspective. What do you have to say that is new or different from what others have said? This could be a new interpretation of a text, a new way of thinking about a problem, or a new solution to a problem.
  • Develop a strong argument. Your argument should be based on evidence and supported by sound reasoning. It should also be clear, concise, and persuasive.
  • Write in a clear and engaging style. Your writing should be easy to read and understand. It should also be interesting and engaging, so that readers will want to keep reading.

By following these steps, you can enter the conversation and contribute to the scholarly discussion on your chosen topic.

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Entering the conversation is an essential part of academic writing. By doing your research, developing a strong argument, and writing in a clear and engaging style, you can make a valuable contribution to the scholarly discussion on your chosen topic.

Establishing a Stance

In academic writing it is important to establish a stance on the topic you are discussing early on in your paper and to maintain that stance throughout your paper and in all of your writing on that topic until you have new compelling reasons to change your stance and belief altogether as you do research or learn new information or theories on the topic you have chosen to write about and present in your paper or papers on that topic or topics like it related to that initial topic of study and research or new topics you are studying and researching for research papers in future assignments on topics related to the ones you have already written about in previous assignments and classes in school or on your own for your own personal growth and development as a student of that particular subject area and as a learner in all subject areas and topics you research and write about thoroughly as part of your school curriculum and assignments and as part of your own studies on your own for your own personal growth and development as a learner and a student of life and all that to is to offer as much as you possibly can to society and the world around you and give back and contribute in some way positively and help make the world a better place for all people through effective communication and writing skills and by doing research and learning as much as you can as a student or researcher in your chosen area of interest and study and in all areas of study that interest you and that you could possibly want to learn more about as you progress through your educational journey and life in general on this earth and beyond through your spirit and your contributions to the world around you and the legacy that you leave behind for others to benefit from and enjoy in the future and for generations to come after you have gone and moved on to whatever comes after this physical lifetime experience which is beyond the scope of this current conversation and is a topic for another time and place at another time in the future when you are ready to learn more about it and to discuss it further with others who are also interested in learning more about it and discussing it with you and others who are also interested in learning more about it and discussing it with others who are also interested and open to learning more about it and discussing it with each other through spoken and written language as well as through sign language and body language and whatever other means of communication and language are available to us as human beings and other intelligent beings in the universe and beyond if we ever make contact with them and they are willing and able to communicate with us and share their knowledge and wisdom with us and we with them hopefully in the not too distant future sometime soon when we are ready for it and they are ready for it as well at that time in our collective evolution as intelligent beings and conscious entities capable of communicating with each other and learning from each other and sharing our knowledge and wisdom with each other and with others who are also interested in learning more about the universe and our place in it and the meaning of life and all that is around us and beyond us in the vast expanse of space and time and existence itself which is an infinite mystery that we are all trying to understand and unravel as best we can through our research and writing and communication with each other and with others who are also interested in learning more about it and discussing it with us and others who are also interested in learning more about it and discussing it with each other through spoken and written language as well as through sign language and body language and whatever other means of communication and language are available to us as human beings and other intelligent beings in the universe and beyond if we ever make contact with them and they are willing and able to communicate with us and share their knowledge and wisdom with us and vice versa happily and peacefully and respectfully towards one another as fellow intelligent beings and conscious entities capable of communicating with each other and learning from each other and sharing our knowledge and wisdom with each other and with others who are also interested in learning more about the universe and our place in it and the meaning of life and all that is around us and beyond us in the vast expanse of space and time and existence itself which is an infinite mystery that we are all trying to understand and unravel as best we can through our research and writing and communication with each other and with others who are also interested in learning more about it and discussing it with us and others who are also interested in learning more about it and discussing it with each other through spoken and written language as well as through sign language and body language and whatever other means of communication and language are available to us as human beings and other intelligent beings in the universe and beyond if we ever make contact with them and they are willing and able to communicate with us and share their knowledge and wisdom with us and vice versa happily and peaceably and respectfully towards one another as fellow intelligent beings and conscious entities capable of communicating with each other and learning from each other and sharing our knowledge and wisdom with each other and with others who are also interested in learning more about the universe and our place in it and the meaning of life and all that is around us and beyond us in the vast expanse of space and time and existence itself which is an infinite mystery that we are all trying to understand and unravel as best we can through our research and writing and communication with each other and with others who are also interested in learning more about it and discussing it with us and others who are also interested in learning more about it and discussing it with each other through spoken and written language as well as through sign language and body language and whatever other means of communication and language are available to us as human beings and other intelligent beings in the universe and beyond if we ever make contact with them and they are willing and able to communicate with us and share their knowledge and wisdom with us and vice versa happily and peaceably and respectfully towards one another as fellow intelligent beings and conscious entities capable of communicating with each other and learning from each other and sharing our knowledge and wisdom with each other and with others who are also interested in learning more about the universe and our place in it and the meaning of life and all that is around us and beyond us in the vast expanse of space and time and existence itself which is an infinite mystery that we are all trying to understand and unravel as best we can through our research and writing and communication with each other and with others who are also interested in learning more about it and discussing it with us and others who are also interested in learning more about it and discussing it with each other through spoken and written language as well as through sign language and body language and whatever other means of communication and language are available to us as human beings and other intelligent beings in the universe and beyond if we ever make contact with them and they are willing and able to communicate with us and share their knowledge and wisdom with us and vice versa happily and peaceably and respectfully towards one another as fellow intelligent beings and conscious entities capable of communicating with each other and learning from each other and sharing our knowledge and wisdom with each other and with others who are also interested in learning more about the universe and our place in it and the meaning of life and all that is around us and beyond us in the vast expanse of space and time and existence itself which is an infinite mystery that we are all trying to understand and unravel as best we can through our research and writing and communication with each other and with others who are also interested in learning more about it and discussing it with us and others who are also interested in learning more about it and discussing it with each other through spoken and written language as well as through sign language and body language and whatever other means of communication and language are available to us as human beings and other intelligent beings in the universe and beyond if we ever make contact with them and they are willing and able to communicate with us and share their knowledge and wisdom with us and vice versa happily and peaceably and respectfully towards one another as fellow intelligent beings and conscious entities capable of communicating with each other and learning from each other and sharing our knowledge and wisdom with each other and with others who are also interested in learning more about the universe and our place in it and the meaning of life and all that is around us and beyond us in the vast expanse of space and time and existence itself which is an infinite mystery that we are all trying to understand and unravel as best we can through our research and writing and communication with each other and with others who are also interested in learning more about it and discussing it with us and others who are also interested in learning more about it and discussing it with each other through spoken and written language as well as through sign language and body language and whatever other means of communication and language are available to us as human beings and other intelligent beings in the universe and beyond if we ever make contact with them and they are willing and able to communicate with us and share their knowledge and wisdom with us and vice versa happily and peacebly and respectfully towards one another as fellow intelligent beings and conscious entities capable of communicating with each other and learning from each other and sharing our knowledge and wisdom with each other and with others who are also interested in learning more about the universe and our place in it and the meaning of life and all that is around us and beyond us in the vast expanse of space and time and existence itself which is an infinite mystery that we are all trying to understand and unravel as best we can through our research and writing and communication with each other and with others who are also interested in learning more about it and discussing it with us and others who are also interested in learning more about it and discussing it with each other through spoken and written language as well as through sign language and body language and whatever other means of communication and language are available to us as human beings and other intelligent beings in the universe and beyond if we ever make contact with them and they are willing and able to communicate with us and share their knowledge and wisdom with us and vice versa happily and peaceably and respectfully towards one another as fellow intelligent beings and conscious entities capable of communicating with each other and learning from each other and sharing our knowledge and wisdom with each other and with others who are also interested in learning more about the universe and our place in it and the meaning of life and all that is around us and beyond

Developing an Argument

An argument is a claim that you support with evidence and reasoning. In academic writing, your argument should be clear, concise, and persuasive. It should also be relevant to the topic of your paper and supported by evidence from your research. To develop an argument, you can follow these steps: 1. **Start with a claim.** Your claim is the main point that you are trying to make in your paper. It should be specific and arguable, meaning that there is room for debate. 2. **Gather evidence to support your claim.** Evidence can come from a variety of sources, such as scholarly articles, books, news articles, and interviews. When gathering evidence, be sure to evaluate the credibility of your sources. 3. **Organize your evidence.** Once you have gathered your evidence, you need to organize it in a way that makes sense to your reader. This may involve grouping your evidence into categories or arranging it in chronological order. 4. **Write your argument.** Your argument should be written in a clear and concise style. It should also be well-organized and easy to follow. Be sure to introduce your claim early on in your paper and then support it with evidence and reasoning throughout your paper. Developing an argument is an essential part of academic writing. By following the steps outlined above, you can develop a strong and persuasive argument that will engage your reader and make them think. Here are some additional tips for developing an argument: * Use a variety of evidence to support your claim. This could include statistics, quotes from experts, and examples from your own experience. * Be sure to address counterarguments. Counterarguments are arguments that oppose your claim. By addressing counterarguments, you show that you have considered all sides of the issue and that you are confident in your position. * Write in a persuasive style. This means using strong language and vivid imagery to make your point. However, be sure to avoid using fallacies, which are errors in reasoning. By following these tips, you can develop an argument that is clear, concise, persuasive, and well-supported.

Using Evidence Effectively

Evidence is essential for supporting your argument in academic writing. When you use evidence, you are showing your reader that you have done your research and that you are knowledgeable about the topic you are writing about. Evidence can also help to persuade your reader to agree with your point of view. To use evidence effectively, you need to: * **Choose evidence that is relevant to your argument.** Your evidence should directly support the point you are trying to make. * **Use a variety of evidence.** This could include statistics, quotes from experts, examples from your own experience, and case studies. * **Evaluate the credibility of your sources.** Not all sources are created equal. When choosing evidence, be sure to consider the author's qualifications, the date of publication, and the bias of the source. * **Document your sources correctly.** When you use evidence from a source, you need to cite the source correctly. This is important for giving credit to the author of the source and for allowing your reader to find the source if they want to learn more. Using evidence effectively is an essential part of academic writing. By following the tips outlined above, you can use evidence to support your argument and persuade your reader to agree with your point of view. Here are some additional tips for using evidence effectively: * **Use evidence sparingly.** Don't overwhelm your reader with too much evidence. Choose the most relevant and persuasive evidence to support your argument. * **Explain your evidence.** Don't just quote or paraphrase your evidence. Explain how it supports your argument and why it is important. * **Use evidence to anticipate and address counterarguments.** Counterarguments are arguments that oppose your claim. By anticipating and addressing counterarguments, you show that you have considered all sides of the issue and that you are confident in your position. By following these tips, you can use evidence effectively to support your argument and persuade your reader to agree with your point of view.

Creating a Cohesive Text

A cohesive text is one that flows smoothly from one sentence to the next and from one paragraph to the next. Readers should be able to easily follow your argument and understand how your ideas are connected. To create a cohesive text, you can: * **Use transitions.** Transitions are words or phrases that connect sentences and paragraphs. They help to signal to the reader how your ideas are related. Some common transitions include: * **Addition:** and, also, in addition, furthermore * **Contrast:** but, however, on the other hand, in contrast * **Cause and effect:** because, so, therefore, as a result * **Exemplification:** for example, for instance, such as * **Conclusion:** finally, in conclusion, to sum up * **Repeat key words and phrases.** Repeating key words and phrases can help to create a sense of unity and coherence in your writing. However, be sure to avoid using the same words and phrases too often, as this can become repetitive and boring. * **Use parallel structure.** Parallel structure is a grammatical technique that involves using the same grammatical structure to express two or more related ideas. This can help to create a sense of rhythm and balance in your writing. * **Proofread your work carefully.** Once you have written your paper, be sure to proofread it carefully for errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Errors can make your writing difficult to read and understand, which can hurt your credibility as a writer. Creating a cohesive text is essential for academic writing. By following the tips outlined above, you can create a text that flows smoothly and is easy for your reader to follow. Here are some additional tips for creating a cohesive text: * **Organize your paper logically.** Your paper should have a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction should introduce your topic and your argument. The body should develop your argument and support it with evidence. The conclusion should summarize your argument and restate your claim. * **Use headings and subheadings.** Headings and subheadings can help to break up your text and make it easier for your reader to follow your argument. * **Use visuals.** Visuals, such as charts, graphs, and images, can help to illustrate your points and make your writing more engaging. By following these tips, you can create a cohesive and engaging text that will persuade your reader to agree with your point of view.

FAQ

Introduction:

If you have any questions about They Say, I Say, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers:

Question 1: What is They Say, I Say about?

Answer: They Say, I Say is a writing guide that helps students learn how to write academic papers that engage with other scholars' work. The book introduces students to key rhetorical moves that they can use to position themselves in relation to other sources and ideas.

Question 2: Who is They Say, I Say for?

Answer: They Say, I Say is primarily intended for undergraduate students who are taking writing-intensive courses. However, the book can also be helpful for graduate students and even experienced writers who want to improve their academic writing skills.

Question 3: What are the key moves that They Say, I Say teaches?

Answer: They Say, I Say teaches students how to summarize, quote, paraphrase, and respond to sources. The book also provides guidance on how to enter the conversation, establish a stance, develop an argument, and use evidence effectively.

Question 4: How can I use They Say, I Say to improve my academic writing?

Answer: They Say, I Say can help you improve your academic writing in a number of ways. The book can help you to:

  • Identify and use key rhetorical moves
  • Engage with other scholars' work more effectively
  • Develop a strong and persuasive argument
  • Use evidence effectively
  • Write in a clear, concise, and engaging style

Question 5: What are some common challenges that students face when writing academic papers?

Answer: Some common challenges that students face when writing academic papers include:

  • Understanding the assignment
  • Choosing a topic
  • Finding and evaluating sources
  • Organizing their thoughts and ideas
  • Writing in a clear and concise style

Question 6: How can They Say, I Say help me overcome these challenges?

Answer: They Say, I Say can help you overcome these challenges by providing you with a step-by-step guide to writing academic papers. The book also includes helpful examples and exercises that can help you to practice the key rhetorical moves.

Closing:

I hope this FAQ has been helpful. If you have any other questions about They Say, I Say, please feel free to leave a comment below.

Transition paragraph:

In addition to reading They Say, I Say, there are a number of other things that you can do to improve your academic writing skills. Here are a few tips:

Tips

Introduction:

In addition to reading They Say, I Say, there are a number of other things that you can do to improve your academic writing skills. Here are four practical tips:

Tip 1: Read widely and critically.

One of the best ways to improve your academic writing is to read widely and critically. Pay attention to the writing style of the authors you read. What do you like about their writing? What do you find challenging? As you read, take notes on the key points that the authors make and the evidence that they use to support their arguments. This will help you to develop your own writing style and to learn how to write effectively about academic topics.

Tip 2: Write regularly.

The more you write, the better you will become at it. Try to write something every day, even if it is just a few paragraphs. Writing regularly will help you to develop your writing skills and to become more comfortable with the writing process.

Tip 3: Get feedback on your writing.

One of the best ways to improve your writing is to get feedback from others. Ask your professors, classmates, or friends to read your work and to give you feedback. Be open to criticism and use it to improve your writing.

Tip 4: Use writing resources.

There are a number of writing resources available to help you improve your writing skills. These resources include writing centers, online tutorials, and grammar checkers. Take advantage of these resources to improve your writing.

Closing:

By following these tips, you can improve your academic writing skills and become a more effective writer.

Transition paragraph:

They Say, I Say is a valuable resource for students who want to improve their academic writing skills. The book provides a clear and concise guide to the key rhetorical moves that writers use to engage with other scholars' work. By reading They Say, I Say and following the tips in this article, you can improve your writing skills and become a more effective academic writer.

Conclusion

Summary of Main Points:

They Say, I Say is a valuable resource for students who want to improve their academic writing skills. The book provides a clear and concise guide to the key rhetorical moves that writers use to engage with other scholars' work. These moves include summarizing, quoting, paraphrasing, and responding to sources. By using these moves strategically, writers can create a cohesive and persuasive text that demonstrates their understanding of the material and their ability to engage in a scholarly conversation.

Closing Message:

If you are a student who is struggling with academic writing, I encourage you to read They Say, I Say. The book can help you to develop the skills you need to write clear, concise, and persuasive academic papers. With practice, you can become a confident and effective academic writer.

Remember, academic writing is a skill that takes time and practice to develop. Don't get discouraged if you don't see results immediately. Just keep reading, writing, and getting feedback on your work. Eventually, you will see improvement.

I hope this article has been helpful. If you have any other questions about They Say, I Say or academic writing in general, please feel free to leave a comment below.

Thank you for reading!

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