“The central piece of advice in this book is to always remember that you are entering a conversation.”
They say I say, Gerald graff · Introduction: Entering the Conversation
MeaningThis line encapsulates the book's core philosophy: academic writing is not a solitary act but a dialogue. It emphasizes that writers must position their ideas in relation to what others have already said, making their contribution part of an ongoing discussion rather than an isolated statement.
“To write well, you need to do more than just state your own position. You also have to indicate what others are saying about your topic.”
They say I say, Gerald graff · They Say: Starting with What Others Are Saying
MeaningThis quote highlights the book's fundamental premise that effective argumentation requires context. It stresses that a writer's 'I Say' must be framed by a 'They Say,' demonstrating an understanding of the existing discourse and providing a clear rationale for the writer's own contribution.
“The best academic writing has a 'they say' and an 'I say' element.”
They say I say, Gerald graff · Introduction: Entering the Conversation
MeaningThis statement summarizes the book's central structural recommendation for academic papers. It argues that successful writing integrates both a summary of existing views ('they say') and the writer's original argument or response ('I say'), creating a dynamic and responsive piece of work.
“Our templates are designed to show you how to make such moves in your own writing.”
They say I say, Gerald graff · Introduction: Entering the Conversation
MeaningThis line clarifies the practical purpose of the book's extensive use of templates. It explains that these fill-in-the-blank structures are tools to help writers master common rhetorical moves in academic discourse, making complex writing tasks more accessible and systematic.
“Templates are not meant to be used mindlessly.”
They say I say, Gerald graff · Introduction: Entering the Conversation
MeaningThis crucial caveat addresses a potential misinterpretation of the book's method. It warns against rote application of templates, emphasizing that they are flexible tools to aid critical thinking and argument construction, not substitutes for original thought or careful engagement with ideas.
“Ultimately, then, good writing means entering a conversation.”
They say I say, Gerald graff · Introduction: Entering the Conversation
MeaningThis quote reinforces the book's overarching message about the social and dialogic nature of writing. It suggests that effective communication involves actively participating in a broader intellectual exchange, building upon and responding to the ideas of others rather than simply presenting isolated thoughts.
“Good academic writing begins not with a statement of your own ideas but with a summary of the views you are responding to.”
They say I say, Gerald graff · They Say: Starting with What Others Are Saying
MeaningThis line outlines the recommended starting point for academic essays. It prioritizes establishing context by first presenting the 'they say' – the existing conversation or opposing viewpoints – before introducing the writer's own 'I say,' ensuring the argument is well-situated.
“The 'they say' part of your argument is crucial because it establishes the issue or problem your own 'I say' part is going to respond to.”
They say I say, Gerald graff · They Say: Starting with What Others Are Saying
MeaningThis quote explains the foundational role of summarizing others' ideas. It highlights that the 'they say' provides the necessary background and intellectual problem that the writer's own argument ('I say') will address, giving purpose and relevance to the writer's contribution.
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