Understanding the Meaning of “They Say I Say” Chapter 1 Summary
Introduction The book “They Say I Say” by Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein is a valuable resource for students and writers looking to improve their academic and persuasive writing skills. In Chapter 1, the authors introduce the concept of entering into an ongoing conversation in academic writing and present strategies to effectively engage with the ideas of others. This article aims to provide a comprehensive summary of Chapter 1 and delve into the main insights and takeaways.
Engaging in the Conversation The central premise of Chapter 1 is that persuasive writing is not solely about expressing one’s own ideas but also about entering into a dialogue with other people’s thoughts and arguments. The authors stress the importance of acknowledging and responding to the ideas that exist before presenting our own claims. By doing so, we can establish credibility, demonstrate awareness of relevant scholarship, and contribute to a broader intellectual discussion.
The Three Moves To guide readers in actively participating in the ongoing conversation, Graff and Birkenstein introduce three fundamental moves: “they say,” “I say,” and “we say.” The “they say” move involves summarizing other people’s viewpoints accurately and fairly. It serves as a starting point for incorporating external voices and building a foundation for the writer’s own argument.
Entering the Dialogue The authors emphasize the importance of not merely parroting others’ ideas but actually engaging in a dialogue with them. This is where the “I say” move comes into play. By expressing our own perspective and opinions, we can actively contribute to the conversation. However, it is crucial to clearly establish the relationship between our viewpoint and the existing arguments.
Establishing Our Authority To establish credibility and authority, the authors introduce the concept of the “we say” move. By aligning ourselves with a broader community of thinkers, we can demonstrate that our ideas are not personal and arbitrary but rather supported by shared academic conventions and collective knowledge. This move also allows us to contribute to an ongoing dialogue, showing how our thoughts connect to existing scholarship and engage with various perspectives.
Templates for Each Move To assist writers in implementing these moves effectively, Graff and Birkenstein provide a range of templates that can be used to frame the different moves. These templates offer a structured approach to incorporating external voices, presenting one’s own argument, and linking the two together. By utilizing these templates, writers can develop a persuasive and coherent piece of writing that actively engages in the ongoing conversation.
Conclusion
Chapter 1 of “They Say I Say” offers valuable insights into the art of persuasive academic writing. By understanding and implementing the three moves – “they say,” “I say,” and “we say” – writers can actively participate in the ongoing dialogue surrounding their topic. This chapter provides a solid foundation for further exploration of effective argumentation and serves as a helpful guide for anyone seeking to improve their writing skills.
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