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"They Say I Say: Moves That Matter in Academic Writing" by Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein is widely regarded as an essential resource for developing effective academic writing skills. The second edition underscores the importance of mastering certain rhetorical moves that facilitate engaging conversations within academic discourse. This essay will analyze the core strategies detailed in the book, illustrating how these moves enable writers to construct clear, persuasive, and engaging arguments, and how they can be adapted to various disciplinary contexts.
The central premise of "They Say I Say" is that effective academic writing revolves around engaging with the "voices" of others in the scholarly community. The authors introduce several rhetorical "moves" that serve as building blocks for this engagement. One foundational move is the "Summarize What They Say," which involves accurately representing the position or argument of a source before critiquing or building upon it. This move not only demonstrates that the writer understands the existing conversation but also establishes a context for their contribution. For example, a student writing about climate change might summarize a scientific consensus before introducing their own perspective or critique.
Complementing this is the move "State Your Own Idea," where the writer clearly articulates their position or argument. Balance between these two movements—summarizing others’ views and asserting one's own—is vital for coherent academic writing. The authors emphasize that framing one's argument in relation to existing voices makes the writing more persuasive and engaged. This is often achieved through the "They Say / I Say" templates, which provide sentence structures that help writers introduce others’ positions and integrate their own ideas smoothly. For example, "While some argue that..., I believe that..." helps position one's perspective within the ongoing scholarly conversation.
Another significant strategy discussed in the text is the use of "Disagreeing Agreeably," which encourages respectful critique. Recognizing differing viewpoints and responding thoughtfully fosters a nuanced discussion rather than a simplistic argument. This move involves recognizing the validity of opposing views before explaining how one's stance aligns or diverges. For instance, a writer may acknowledge that certain scholars have valid points but then articulate why their approach offers a different or better solution. This move enhances critical thinking by requiring the writer to evaluate multiple perspectives critically.
Additionally, "Introducing New Evidence or Examples" expands arguments by incorporating relevant data, case studies, or examples. The effective use of concrete evidence supports claims and persuades readers of their validity. For example, in an essay on educational reform, citing specific school district data strengthens the argument. The authors stress that integrating evidence is not enough; writers must also explain how their examples support their thesis, illustrating the importance of clear reasoning and logical connectors in academic writing.
The book also highlights strategic moves for organizing and emphasizing key points, such as "Stating Your Main Point," and "Repeating or Reinforcing." These techniques help clarify arguments and ensure that readers follow the narrative thread. Repetition of key ideas or restating main points at strategic junctures reinforces persuasive messages and enhances clarity for the audience.
An essential takeaway from "They Say I Say" is the importance of acknowledging the ongoing conversation in academic writing. Recognizing other scholars’ stances demonstrates engagement and establishes credibility. The book encourages writers to position their ideas in relation to existing discourse using specific linguistic templates which make this process more straightforward. This practice not only improves clarity but also shows critical understanding of the scholarly context.
Furthermore, the application of these moves extends across disciplines. For instance, in the social sciences, integrating theoretical frameworks with empirical data is crucial, while in literature, framing an argument in light of existing interpretations is commonplace. Adapting "They Say I Say" strategies across different contexts involves understanding the conventions of each discipline and employing appropriate rhetorical moves accordingly.
In conclusion, mastering the rhetorical moves outlined in "They Say I Say" significantly enhances academic writing. These strategies facilitate clear communication, critical engagement, and persuasive
argumentation. By summarizing existing viewpoints, stating one's own ideas clearly, respectfully disagreeing, and supporting claims with relevant evidence, writers can participate meaningfully in scholarly conversations. The adaptability of these moves across disciplines underscores their fundamental importance in fostering effective academic communication, ultimately advancing both individual writing skills and the broader pursuit of knowledge.
References
Graff, G., & Birkenstein, C. (2018). They Say / I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing (4th ed.). W.W. Norton & Company.
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