They Say I Say 6th Edition

They Say / I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing, 6th Edition: A Comprehensive Guide

Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein's They Say / I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing, now in its sixth edition, remains a cornerstone text for students navigating the complexities of academic argumentation. This guide transcends mere grammar instruction; it offers a practical framework for constructing persuasive, well-supported arguments within the broader academic conversation. This in-depth review explores the book's key features, highlighting its enduring relevance and practical applications for students at all academic levels.

Understanding the Core Argument: Entering the Conversation

The central premise of They Say / I Say is simple yet profound: effective academic writing doesn't exist in a vacuum. Before presenting your own ideas ("I say"), you must clearly articulate the perspectives and arguments you're engaging with ("They say"). This "they say/I say" model isn't merely about summarizing; it's about actively participating in an ongoing intellectual discourse. The authors emphasize the importance of understanding and respectfully engaging with opposing viewpoints, even those you ultimately disagree with. This approach fosters critical thinking, enhances the persuasiveness of your arguments, and demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the subject matter.

Key Templates and Their Applications

The book's strength lies in its practical application. It provides a series of ready-to-use templates that guide students through the process of incorporating others' ideas into their writing. These templates are not rigid formulas but flexible tools that can be adapted to various writing contexts. Some of the most useful templates include:

• Introducing standard views: "Many people assume that..." or "The conventional wisdom is that..." These templates are crucial for establishing the prevailing perspective before introducing a counterargument or a nuanced perspective.

• Making a claim: "I would argue that..." or "My point is that..." These templates empower students to clearly state their own positions without ambiguity.

• Introducing a quotation: "X states, '...' " or "As the prominent sociologist, Y, points out, '...' " These templates are vital for proper attribution and contextualization of evidence.

• Explaining quotations: "In other words..." or "This statement implies..." These templates help bridge the gap between direct quotations and the writer's analysis.

• Disagreeing, with reasons: "While some believe X, I maintain that Y because..." or "I disagree with X's assertion that Y because..." These templates model effective and respectful disagreement.

• Agreeing, with a difference: "Although I agree with X's point about Y, I would also add that..." or "X is right that Y, but it is important to also consider..." These demonstrate nuanced understanding and original contribution.

• Agreeing and disagreeing simultaneously: "I agree with X that Y, but I disagree with their claim that Z." This demonstrates sophisticated critical thinking by acknowledging both common ground and points of divergence.

Beyond the Templates: Cultivating Academic Voice

They Say / I Say extends beyond simple template usage. It fosters the development of a strong, confident academic voice. It encourages writers to:

• Use metadiscourse: This refers to language that explicitly comments on the writer's own writing process, such as "As I will show," or "In this essay I will argue." This helps readers navigate the argument and enhances clarity.

• Signal relationships between ideas: The book provides numerous templates for demonstrating connections between different parts of an argument, such as "However," "Therefore," "In addition," etc. These transitions create a cohesive and logically sound argument.

• Show the relationship between "they say" and "I say": The book constantly emphasizes the dynamic interplay between established viewpoints and the writer's contribution. This ensures that the writer's claims aren't presented in isolation but are firmly grounded within the existing academic conversation.

The 6th Edition: Enhancements and Updates

The sixth edition of They Say / I Say builds upon the strengths of previous editions while incorporating relevant updates to reflect contemporary academic practices. While a detailed comparison across all editions is beyond the scope of this review, notable improvements include:

• Increased emphasis on digital rhetoric: The sixth edition acknowledges the increasing importance of digital communication in academic settings. It offers guidance on crafting effective arguments in online forums, social media, and other digital spaces.

• Expanded coverage of visual rhetoric: Recognizing the role of visuals in conveying information, the sixth edition incorporates discussions of how images, graphs, and other visual elements contribute to academic arguments.

• Enhanced discussions of ethical argumentation: The authors reinforce the importance of responsible and ethical argumentation, highlighting the need for proper citation, avoidance of plagiarism, and respectful engagement with diverse perspectives.

Applying They Say / I Say in Practice

The book's value extends beyond theoretical discussions; it offers concrete strategies applicable to various writing assignments:

• Essay writing: The templates and strategies are directly transferable to various essay types, including argumentative, analytical, and literary essays.

• Research papers: The emphasis on integrating sources and engaging with existing research makes this an invaluable resource for crafting well-supported research papers.

• Presentations: The principles of clearly stating others' viewpoints and articulating your own position are equally applicable to oral presentations.

• Discussions and debates: The book's emphasis on respectful disagreement and engaging with alternative perspectives is essential for effective participation in academic discussions and debates.

Criticisms and Considerations

While They Say / I Say is a highly valuable resource, some criticisms should be considered:

• Over-reliance on templates: Some might argue that an excessive reliance on the provided templates could hinder the development of a truly unique and individual writing style. However, the authors emphasize these templates as starting points, urging writers to adapt and modify them to fit their unique voices and arguments.

• Limited scope: The book primarily focuses on argumentative writing within the humanities and social sciences. While adaptable, its direct applicability to other disciplines may require further contextualization.

• Potential for formulaic writing: If not used thoughtfully, the templates could lead to formulaic writing that lacks originality and depth. However, the authors explicitly caution against this, encouraging writers to use the templates as a springboard for more nuanced and sophisticated arguments.

Conclusion: An Enduring Resource for Academic Writers

Despite these minor criticisms, They Say / I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing, 6th Edition, remains an exceptionally valuable resource for students learning to navigate the complexities of academic writing. Its practical templates, clear explanations, and focus on entering the academic conversation make it an indispensable guide for anyone seeking to develop strong, well-supported, and persuasive arguments. The book's enduring popularity reflects its effectiveness in empowering students to become confident and engaged participants in the ongoing intellectual dialogue that shapes our understanding of the world. The sixth edition's updates further solidify its position as a necessary text for students in the modern academic landscape. The emphasis on digital rhetoric and ethical argumentation reflects the evolving nature of academic discourse and underscores the book's commitment to preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of contemporary scholarship. Ultimately, They Say / I Say provides a robust framework for effective academic writing that transcends specific disciplines and fosters the development of critical thinking skills crucial for success in higher education and beyond.