Within the chapters five and six of, They Say/I Say, by Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein, they believe that while writing an essay, one may use many tools to help them strengthen their arguments. For example. Instead of rambling on about why a writer’s argument is credible, a writer may address criticism that others might say, and can use counter arguments to lengthen and strengthen their argument. When a writer does not implement counter arguments within their text, they may seem close minded. However, when using a counter, or what Birkenstein and Graff call a “Naysayer,” a writer must accurately represent that individuals view. When a person is addressing a nay-sayer, they can either keep them anonymous, or give them proper labels. Although,…
Gillen suggested that writers should either agree with the data but with difference, or disagree with it and explain why. Gillen (2014) explained, “Concur with finding and then propose a mechanism that explains it” (p.213). He explained how a writer could agree with the data but at the same time jump into the conversation so he could put an opinion on it. When disagreeing with the data, Gillen (2014) suggested that a writer should explain why they disagree with it, and avoid getting to the conclusion with this…
The first chapter introduced the reader to the art of rhetoric. He describes how rhetoric works through real life examples. He demonstrates ways that rhetoric persuades us like, argument from strength, and seduction. He tells the reader that the sole purpose of arguing is to persuade the audience. He showed that the chief purpose of arguing is to also achieve consensus, a shared faith in a choice.…
Steven ParlettReading Response #1English 112 – F1627 January, 2016Graff’s Guide to WritingGerald Graff’s third edition book “They Say/ I say” gives helpful insight for college levelor even beginner level writers. From chapter one towards three there are numerous “templates” Graff uses to express his ideas on how to better a writers credibility towards claims, arguments, research, or practically anything a writer would need to pull information from an outside source. Basically, the one template he wants known the most is the, “’they say _____ ; I say _____’ formula” (Graff 3). To summarize most of what Gerald had to say about this template for writers,is to use it when a writer wants to use either someone’s words or information that that does not originate from themselves; and with…
Slavery, racism, segregation, brutality against coloured people a thing of the past for people in today’s society, unfortunately this was an ever-growing problem in the 1930’s to the 1960’s. Text one, No sugar is a play written by Jack Davis published in 1986 conveying the hardships of native Aboriginals in the 1930’s. Text 2, The Help written and directed by Tate Taylor released in 2011 based in Mississippi during the 1960’s, illustrates the life of the ‘Help’ a society of Black people under the control of the whites. No sugar incorporates colloquial language and the setting of scenes persuade the target audience to respond in a frustrated and sympathetic manner towards the past and present coloured society. In parallel The Help utilizes the…
1. In order to argue effectively, the arguer must first set a personal goal, and then play an active role in setting the goals of the “audience”.…
Patrick Stokes, in his article, proclaims that “You are not entitled to your opinion. You are only entitled to what you can argue for” (Stokes 2012) then delves right into the argument. The language is simple, and text short, which is easy for the reader to…
Cited: Wood, Nancy, and Miller James. Perspectives On Argument. 7th ed. New Jersey: Pearson Education, 2012. Print…
In the book They Say, I Say by Birkenstein and Graff, the first chapter discusses the process of making a more engaging essay and also how to discuss what you think about the subject or how you feel about what author has said in the essay. One of the processes that chapter one focuses on is the "They say, I say" process which basically is a way of discussing opposing views and debating with an argument that can be applied from the writing, it is having an engaging discussion in which one person is talking about what the other might say in order to counter the argument by using that point to make their point on why they are correct (Birkenstein, Graff 8). Throughout the first chapter we are introduced to many authors such as George Orwell,…
In the preface and introduction of the book: “They Say, I Say”, Graff and Birkenstein contend that well written argumentative writing should emphasize on hearing and responding rather than making claims. Based on the suggestions given by students, the revised 2nd edition of the book includes more chapters and features to give students a better understanding of academic writing.…
Three things I learn from this they say I say, is statement to help remind the reader of what ideas you’re responding to. State your ideas as a respond to others for arguments for both sides agreeing or disagreeing. To engage the audience with your…
In the introduction to “They say/I say”: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing, Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein provide templates designed to engage students to critically and academically think at the college level and in life. Specifically, Graff and Birkenstein argue that the types of writing templates they offer students the necessary means to formulate and structure their writing in an effective manner. As the authors themselves put it, "the underlying structure of effective academic writing--and of responsible public discourse--resides not just in stating our own ideas, but in listening closely to others around us, summarizing their views in a way that they will recognize, and responding with our own ideas in kind." Although some…
In the introduction to “They Say/ I Say”: the Moves That Matter in Academic Writing, Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein provide templates designed to help with academic thinking and writing. Specifically, Graff and Birkenstein argue that the types of writing templates they offer realistically help set up a conversation and argument. As the authors themselves put it, “In our view, then, the best academic writing has one underlying feature: it is deeply engaged in some way with other people's views.” Although some people believe to sound intelligent you must state your claim and provide facts on why your claim is true, Graff and Birkenstein insist that to “play it safe and avoid controversy in your writing” is lifeless. In sum, then, their view is that if you are going to write, write to stir controversy and cause discussion, along with giving the basics to master good academic writing. I agree, in my view, the types of templates that the authors recommend invite people to start conversation and learn different points of views as well as teaching others, and the templates themselves gives people the opportunity to hone the skills of academic writing. For instance, when using the template for writing they get us to include the opposition’s possible belief or rebuttal to our own points, which in return force us as the writer to look beyond just our thoughts and look through other’s eyes. Some might object, of course, on the grounds that our creativity when using templates would be greatly diminished. Yet I would argue that the templates simply give us a cornerstone to start with, and we can build our paper off of it as creative as we want. Overall, then, I believe the templates simply help us practice to become better writers much like practicing sports when you first begin playing, to become the best we can be.…
Argument is an important activity in the advancement of knowledge and society. There are many ways to express your self in this world, art, music, writing, speaking, etc. Within those things are countless approaches to getting your point across, or defending your side of an argument. Some of these methods are more effective at showing others that your way is the right way.…
Cited: Graff Gerald, Cathy Birkenstein, and Russel Durst. They Say, I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing. New York: W.W. Norton &, 2010. Print.…