Introduction
In the introduction to “They Say/ I Say”: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing, Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein provide templates which are aimed to provide a way for writers to introduce the argument or issue they are addressing in their essay. The authors describe this type of essay a “They Say/I Say” approach. Many people have expressed a concern that this book will not allow writers to formulate their own ideas when they have templates already given to them. However, the authors insist that these templates will not limit a writer’s creativity in their writing process being that people can add or take away anything they want from these templates. I would argue that this book does in fact give a writer the tools they need to write a comprehensive “They Say/I Say” essay.
Chapter 1
The main point of this first chapter is to show writers that it is crucial to introduce the view they are either agreeing with or opposing in their essay. Without this key piece of their essay, their audience will be confused as to why the author chose to write about that specific subject.
” This little story illustrates an important lesson: that to give writing the most important thing of all-namely, a point- a writer needs to indicate clearly not only his or her thesis but also what larger conversation that thesis is responding to.” (pg. 18)
“This story also illustrates an important lesson about the order in which things are said: to keep an audience engaged, a writer needs to explain what he or she is responding to- either before offering that response or, at least, very early in the discussion.” (pg. 18)
“By reminding reader of the ideas you’re responding to , return sentences ensure that your text maintains a sense of mission and urgency from start to finish.” (pg. 26)
One question I would have after reading this section is how can a writer be sure they place the issue they are responding in their essay in the proper place?