“They say, I say” by Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein Breaks down to its readers on what it takes as a writer to keep the audience engaged. Chapter 1 states before giving the readers you own thoughts in the matter. You must summarize what “they say” in order to provide the audience a glimpse of where in “they say” does you motivation come from. As templates are provided from pages 23-28 some may argue that it takes away from the writers ability to write in there own style. Those should not be intimidating for they are just examples to show some ways on how to start your argument.
What I learned: Giving your argument from the very beginning can reduce the chances of the reader to be less engaged in your thesis. You must summarize what “they say” first in order to show the audience
In order for readers to have a better understanding of your argument you must also see the point of view of the author. As chapter 2 goes into just that, it states the many writers most likely will be biased due to lack of understanding of what “they say”. They may get a bit timid do to the risk of losing site of there own beliefs.
what I learned: In order to have a strong enough argument you must be able to see from the authors perspective in what ” they say”. Seeing where the author comes from gives a better understanding of what they mean.
Final piece of having a strong argument is quoting the author. Paraphrasing and giving the proper meaning behind the quote helps back up you thesis. Explaining what the author meant in his quote gives the readers a better understanding.
What i learned: That in order to catch the readers attention and have them understand what your arguing. when using quotation you must elaborate on what the quote really means.
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