They Say I Say Part 2 Summary

Yes/No/Okay, But:

In this chapter Graff and Birkenstein talk about the “I say” part or writing. After you have explained in your text what others are saying about the subject you are writing about you can move on to the different ways to respond explained in this chapter. The first way you can respond is to disagree with what others have said but it’s important to explain why rather than just saying something like “Although this person believes this I think they’re wrong”. The second way to respond is to agree but add something different to the conversation. Ways you can do this are by pointing out some unnoticed evidence or citing some personal experiences that can enrich the subject. The last way to respond is to agree and disagree with what “They Say” about the subject. Examples of this are “Although I agree up to a point, I still insist…”

And Yet:

It’s important for readers to be able to distinguish what you are saying from what others are saying in your text. You can do this by using voice markers as described in this chapter such as putting a reference to the other person’s argument in your own sentence’s. Using “I” statements in your writing is another helpful way to identify what you are saying from what others are saying even though it is usually discouraged in academic writing.

Skeptics May Object:

Planting a naysayer in your text is a way enhance your credibility in what you are arguing. Explaining what critics might object to in your writing and then giving answers to those objections can help convince those who might be more on the fence to agree with your side. When you choose to insert a naysayer into your text you want to be sure to represent their views fairly while answering them persuasively. If you seem to be biased when explaining a naysayer view it can alienate those who don’t agree with you which is who you probably want to reach the most with your argument. In some cases you might find as you’re doing this process that the objection is still more convincing than the overall argument you are presenting. If this happens it’s okay for you to reverse your position completely in your writing.

So What? Who Cares?

Finally, you want to make sure you explain why what you are saying matters. To do this ask the “Who Cares? So What?” question in your writing. Identifying groups that have a stake in what you’re writing about and mentioning them can help with answering the “Who Cares” part of the question. Answering the “So What” part of the question is one of the most crucial parts of a text. When answering this question you link your writing to a larger conversation that people already view as important.

These chapters helped a lot for my understanding on how to write a better argument and overall text. I found the different ways to respond especially helpful along with inserting a naysayer into your text. I can see how inserting a naysayer’s view and answering their objection logically really helps your credibility as a writer.