**They Say / I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing with Readings (5th Edition)** is a comprehensive guide aimed at improving academic writing skills across various disciplines. Authored by Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein, the book emphasizes the importance of engaging with existing academic conversations and developing a clear, persuasive writing style. Here's a detailed summary of its contents:
**Part 1: "They Say"**
1. **Entering the Conversation**: This section introduces readers to the concept of academic writing as a dialogue. It emphasizes the need to acknowledge and respond to existing ideas and arguments in the field rather than writing in isolation. Key moves include summarizing others' arguments, recognizing differing viewpoints, and establishing credibility through engagement.
2. **The Art of Summarizing**: Techniques for effectively summarizing others' arguments are discussed here. This includes strategies for condensing complex ideas while maintaining accuracy and clarity. The chapter emphasizes the importance of avoiding plagiarism by properly
attributing ideas and integrating them smoothly into one's own writing.
3. **The Art of Quoting**: This chapter explores the strategic use of quotations in academic writing. It covers when and how to quote directly from sources, how to frame quotations effectively, and the importance of providing context and analysis around quoted material to enhance its relevance and impact.
4. **The Art of Paraphrasing**: Paraphrasing is examined as a crucial skill for incorporating others' ideas into one's own writing while maintaining originality and clarity. The chapter provides guidelines for transforming source material into paraphrased text that reflects understanding and interpretation rather than mere rewording.
5. **The Art of Blending**: Techniques for seamlessly integrating summaries, quotations, and paraphrases into one's own argument are discussed in this chapter. It emphasizes the need to maintain a coherent and unified voice while showing respect for existing scholarship and perspectives. **Part 2: "I Say"**
6. **Saying Why It Matters**: This section focuses on articulating the significance and relevance of one's own argument. It discusses strategies for framing arguments effectively, establishing purpose and relevance, and addressing potential objections or counterarguments.
7. **Naysayers: Handling Counterarguments and Objections**: Techniques for anticipating and addressing opposing viewpoints are explored here. This includes acknowledging valid criticisms, presenting counterarguments, and reinforcing one's own argument through thoughtful analysis and evidence.
8. **So What? Who Cares?**: The importance of establishing the broader implications and significance of one's argument is examined in this chapter. It discusses strategies for connecting academic arguments to realworld concerns, demonstrating relevance and impact beyond academic discourse.
9. **As a Result: Connecting the Parts**: This chapter focuses on crafting effective transitions and signposts within academic writing. It discusses techniques for guiding readers through complex arguments, reinforcing
key points, and maintaining clarity and coherence throughout the text.
**Part 3: "In Action"**
10. **Three Ways to Respond**: This section provides practical examples and exercises to reinforce the strategies discussed throughout the book. It includes annotated student essays that demonstrate effective use of the rhetorical moves covered in previous chapters.
11. **Writing in the Disciplines**: This chapter explores how the principles of They Say / I Say apply across different academic disciplines. It discusses disciplinespecific conventions, expectations, and strategies for engaging with disciplinary conversations and writing effectively within specific fields.
**Readings**
The readings section in the 5th edition includes a curated selection of texts representing a variety of genres and academic disciplines. Each reading is accompanied by questions and prompts that encourage readers to practice the skills and strategies outlined in the main text. The
readings cover topics ranging from literature and history to sociology and science, providing diverse examples of effective academic writing and rhetorical strategies.
**Conclusion**
"They Say / I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing with Readings" (5th Edition) serves as a valuable resource for students and scholars seeking to enhance
their academic writing skills. By emphasizing engagement with existing scholarly conversations, effective use of rhetorical strategies, and clear, persuasive argumentation, the book equips readers with the tools necessary to succeed in academic writing across disciplines. Its practical approach, supported by examples and exercises, facilitates the development of critical thinking and communication skills essential for academic and professional success.