Summary of They Say, I Say

Chapter 1 “They Say”

Writing needs a point.
You need to clearly indicate your thesis and the larger conversation it is pointing to.
Explain what you are responding to.
Start with what others are saying and then introduce your ideas as a response

Chapter 2 “Her Point Is”

Create a good summary that includes balancing the authors point with your point.
Enter the habitat of the conversation you are trying to join (put yourself in someone else’s shoes).
Create a summary that uses the authors view but proves your point
Use vivid and precise action verbs when summarizing

Chapter 3 “As He Himself Puts It”

Integrate quotations into their new textual surroundings.
Quote relevant passages that are relevant to your key argument
Present quotations in a way that makes them relevant and clear to your readers.
Introduce a quote, enter the quote, and explain the quote

Chapter 4 “Yes / No / Okay, But”

Learn to agree, disagree, or do both at the same time. Declare your position early.
Take a strong stand and explain why.
If you disagree offer a persuasive reason why.
If agreeing open up some difference that the author didn’t mention.
Agreeing and disagreeing can demonstrate integrity as a writer.

Chapter 5 “And Yet”

Make sure the reader understands who is saying what to eliminate confusion.
Referencing someone argument can be better than referencing the person.
Use voice markers to keep from confusing your readers.
Utilize multiple perspectives in your writing.

Chapter 6 “Skeptics May Object”

Tell your readers the objections that others might say about you to enhance your credibility.
Try not to stereotype, but try to use broad ideas.
Take objections seriously so the reader respects you.
Make sure your argument is not more convincing than your objections.
Chapter 7 “So What? Who Cares”

Address why your argument matters. This may include naming specific people or groups who have stake in your claim.
Link your argument to a larger matter that readers deem important.
Make the reader understand how the argument affects them.
Continue to answer the “Who cares?” and “So What?” questions even though the reader may already know the answers.

Chapter 8 “As A Result”

Don’t force the reader to try and connect your sentences and paragraphs together.
Use transitions to transfer from one point to another. Make them unobtrusive and unnoticeable.
Use pointing words to refer backwards to a previous concept.
Repeat key terms and phrases throughout your writing to keep your argument focused through the entire length.
When repeating key terms and phrases do it in a slightly different way without being monotonous.

Chapter 9 “Ain’t So / Is Not”

Academic writing should be relaxed, easy to follow, and a little bit fun.
Blend academic and professional language with popular expressions or sayings. This will give your writing a political statement.
Don’t feel limited to the choice of words or expressions you can use in your writing. Consider your audience and relate to them.
In order to succeed as a writer in college you need use a blend of formal and non-formal language.

Chapter 10 “In Other Words”

Make a claim and then tell the readers how to interpret it.
Stating your argument in a clear and concise manner may still be confusing to readers. Use metacommentary to keep misinterpretations to a minimum.
Use titles as metacommentary because they will persuade the reader to explore your writing.
Use transitions to generate metacommentary to create a relationship with the reader and explain your argument and why it’s important.