What is They Say / I Say by Gerald Graff about?

They Say / I Say by Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein is a guide to academic writing that teaches students how to construct effective arguments through dialogue. The book emphasizes presenting others' viewpoints ("they say") before introducing your own perspective ("I say"), helping writers situate their ideas within broader scholarly conversations. It provides practical templates and strategies to demystify academic writing, making complex argumentative techniques accessible to students across all disciplines.

Who should read They Say / I Say by Gerald Graff?

They Say / I Say is essential for college students learning academic writing, particularly those struggling to structure persuasive arguments or engage with scholarly sources. The book serves undergraduate and graduate students across all disciplines, from humanities to natural sciences, as it provides adaptable frameworks for discipline-specific writing. English language learners also benefit significantly, as the templates help structure academic thinking and argumentation beyond just grammar and vocabulary.

Is They Say / I Say by Gerald Graff worth reading?

They Say / I Say is the best-selling composition book of this century, used at over 1,500 colleges and universities with more than one million copies sold. The book's proven framework transforms struggling writers into confident arguers by providing clear templates that reduce the mystery of academic writing. Students consistently report increased confidence and effectiveness in their argumentative writing, making it an invaluable resource for anyone serious about improving their academic communication skills.

Who is Gerald Graff, author of They Say / I Say?

Gerald Graff is a distinguished professor of English and Education at the University of Illinois at Chicago and one of the most influential education commentators of his generation. Born in Chicago in 1937, Graff earned his B.A. from the University of Chicago and Ph.D. from Stanford University. He co-authored They Say / I Say with Cathy Birkenstein, and his other notable works include Beyond the Culture Wars and Clueless in Academe, all focused on making academic discourse more accessible.

What is the "They Say / I Say" framework explained?

The "They Say / I Say" framework is a rhetorical structure where writers first present existing arguments or viewpoints ("they say") before introducing their own stance ("I say"). This approach ensures that personal arguments are positioned as responses within broader academic conversations rather than isolated opinions. The framework teaches writers to acknowledge, summarize, and engage with others' perspectives before contributing their own insights, which strengthens critical thinking and creates more persuasive arguments by demonstrating awareness of ongoing scholarly debates.

What templates does They Say / I Say provide for academic writing?

They Say / I Say offers practical writing templates that serve as rhetorical scaffolding for constructing clear arguments and addressing opposing views. Templates include structures like "In discussions of X, one controversial issue has been whether B" and "While I understand the impulse to A, my own view is B". These formulaic phrases help students make rhetorical moves clearly and logically, distinguishing their arguments from those they respond to while building confidence in academic discourse.

How does They Say / I Say help with summarizing and quoting sources?

They Say / I Say dedicates substantial guidance to accurately summarizing others' arguments to establish a foundation for your own position. The book teaches writers to create focused summaries that align with their argumentative goals rather than merely listing information. Chapter 3 specifically addresses "the art of quoting," explaining how to select and integrate exact words from sources to launch effective arguments while maintaining the original author's intended meaning.

What is metacommentary in They Say / I Say by Gerald Graff?

Metacommentary, introduced in Chapter 10 of They Say / I Say, is a technique for clarifying your arguments by commenting on your own writing to ensure readers understand your perspective. This "art of metacommentary" involves explicitly guiding readers through your reasoning, using phrases that signal what you're doing in your argument. The technique helps writers make their intentions transparent, preventing misinterpretation and strengthening the overall coherence of academic papers by directing readers' attention to key points and connections.

They Say / I Say Summary, PDF, EPUB, Audio

They Say / I Say

Gerald Graff

Education Communication skill Creativity

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Auteur

Questions Fréquentes

Unlock academia's secret language with "They Say / I Say" - the revolutionary writing guide that professors call "the best book that's happened to teaching composition-ever." Why do students refuse to sell it back to bookstores? It's your permanent membership card to scholarly conversations.

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"They say": Starting with what others are saying is crucial for orienting readers.

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Cree par des anciens de Columbia University a San Francisco

BeFreed rassemble une communauté mondiale de 1,000,000+ esprits curieux

Decouvrez comment BeFreed est discute sur le web

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

1.5K Ratings4.7

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They Say / I Say

Gerald Graff

Education Communication skill Creativity

Aperçu

Points Clés

Auteur

Questions Fréquentes

Explorez Votre Façon d'Apprendre

Résumé Rapide9min

Ressentez le livre à travers la voix de l'auteur

Approfondissement42min

Transformez les connaissances en idées captivantes et riches en exemples

Fiches mémo10 idées

Capturez les idées clés en un éclair pour un apprentissage rapide

Fun19min

Profitez du livre de manière ludique et engageante

Meilleure citation de They Say / I Say

"They say": Starting with what others are saying is crucial for orienting readers.

Dans le même genre

When I Say No, I Feel Guilty

Manuel J. Smith

Communicate with Mastery

J. D. Schramm with Kara Levy

3 sources

The Communication Revolution: Why Your Words Shape Your Career

21 sources

The Psychology of Getting People to Say Yes

Points clés

The Hidden Code of Powerful Writing

00:00

Ever noticed how the most compelling arguments always seem to be responding to something? That's the fundamental insight behind "They Say / I Say" - writing that matters doesn't exist in isolation but enters ongoing conversations. This revolutionary approach has transformed millions of students' writing because it reveals something profound: good academic writing isn't about impressing others with fancy vocabulary. It's about joining discussions that matter. What makes this approach so powerful is that it solves the fundamental problem plaguing so much writing: the dreaded "so what?" question. When you dive straight into your own claims without establishing what you're responding to, readers wonder why they should care. Compare "Hamlet explores themes of revenge" with "While many critics view Hamlet's hesitation as weakness, I argue it demonstrates moral sophistication in a corrupt world." The second immediately engages us by positioning itself within an existing debate. This conversational framework isn't just a writing technique - it's a thinking tool. By articulating what others say before presenting our own views, we develop deeper understanding of complex issues. In today's polarized society, where people increasingly retreat into echo chambers, learning to summarize opposing viewpoints fairly cultivates intellectual empathy - perhaps the skill we need most.

Mastering the Art of Summary and Response

Strengthening Arguments Through Opposing Views

Making It Matter: Establishing Significance

Creating Flow Through Deliberate Connections

Finding Your Authentic Academic Voice

From Classroom to Life: The Conversation Continues

Explorez Votre Façon d'Apprendre

Résumé Rapide

Résumé de They Say / I Say en 9 Minutes

Décomposez les idées clés de They Say / I Say en points faciles à comprendre pour découvrir comment les équipes innovantes créent, collaborent et grandissent.

00:00

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Top 10 Idées de They Say / I Say en Bref

Condensez They Say / I Say en indices de mémoire rapides mettant en évidence les principes clés de franchise, de travail d'équipe et de résilience créative.

Fun

Leçons de They Say / I Say Racontées en Histoires de 19 Min

Découvrez They Say / I Say à travers des récits vivants qui transforment les leçons d'innovation en moments mémorables et applicables.

00:00

Personnaliser

Découvrez They Say / I Say à votre façon.

Posez n'importe quelle question, choisissez la voix et co-créez des idées qui résonnent vraiment avec vous.

Cree par des anciens de Columbia University a San Francisco

BeFreed rassemble une communauté mondiale de 1,000,000+ esprits curieux

Decouvrez comment BeFreed est discute sur le web

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

Cree par des anciens de Columbia University a San Francisco

BeFreed rassemble une communauté mondiale de 1,000,000+ esprits curieux

Decouvrez comment BeFreed est discute sur le web

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

1.5K Ratings4.7

Commencez votre parcours d'apprentissage, maintenant

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They Say / I Say by Gerald Graff Summary

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They Say / I Say by Gerald Graff Summary

Overview of They Say / I Say

Similar books to They Say / I Say

Meilleure citation de They Say / I Say

Dans le même genre

Points clés

The Hidden Code of Powerful Writing

Mastering the Art of Summary and Response

Strengthening Arguments Through Opposing Views

Making It Matter: Establishing Significance

Creating Flow Through Deliberate Connections

Finding Your Authentic Academic Voice

From Classroom to Life: The Conversation Continues

Mode Résumé Rapide - Lisez ou écoutez le résumé de They Say / I Say en 9 minutes

Mode Fiches mémo - Top 10 Idées de They Say / I Say en Bref

Mode Fun - Leçons de They Say / I Say Racontées en Histoires de 19 Min

Mode Personnaliser - Lisez ou écoutez le résumé de They Say / I Say en 0 minutes

Telecharger They Say / I Say PDF

Telecharger They Say / I Say EPUB

Dans le même genre

Points clés

The Hidden Code of Powerful Writing

Mastering the Art of Summary and Response

Strengthening Arguments Through Opposing Views

Making It Matter: Establishing Significance

Creating Flow Through Deliberate Connections

Finding Your Authentic Academic Voice

From Classroom to Life: The Conversation Continues