Wishlist
Book Summary
"They Say / I Say" is a practical guide that teaches students how to write effective academic arguments by mastering the fundamental rhetorical moves of scholarly discourse. The book provides templates and strategies for engaging with sources, presenting counterarguments, and developing strong thesis statements. It is designed for college students, high school advanced writers, and anyone seeking to improve their academic writing skills by learning how to participate meaningfully in academic conversations.
This book is not available
Store  |
Condition |
Deals & Coupons | Price |
Est. Shipping |
Total |
Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sorry we could not find any result for “9780393935844” | ||||||
About "They Say / I Say": The Moves That...
This third edition resource demystifies academic writing by breaking down the essential rhetorical moves that distinguish strong scholarly work. Graff and Birkenstein argue that academic writing is fundamentally about conversation—responding to what others have said and contributing your own ideas. The book provides over 100 ready-to-use templates organized by writing situation, allowing students to model their own arguments on proven structures. It covers key moves such as summarizing others' arguments, introducing your own perspective, responding to counterarguments, and explaining the significance of your claims. Rather than treating writing as an isolated skill, the authors position it as a form of dialogue where writers must acknowledge existing perspectives before staking their claim. The templates serve as scaffolding, helping writers internalize academic conventions and develop confidence. Accessible and practical, the book combines clear instruction with numerous real-world examples from published works and student writing across various disciplines.
Who should read "They Say / I Say": The Moves That...?
This book is ideal for college students navigating first-year composition courses or advanced writing requirements across disciplines. It serves high school AP or honors students preparing for college-level academic work, as well as ESL/international students who need concrete frameworks for understanding English academic discourse. Graduate students and professionals seeking to strengthen their scholarly writing will also benefit from the clear templates and strategic approaches. Additionally, writing instructors and educators looking for accessible, practical tools to teach argumentative writing will find this resource invaluable for classroom use.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Provides over 100 practical, ready-to-use templates that students can immediately apply to their own writing
- ✓ Demystifies academic writing by framing it as conversation, making the process less intimidating for beginners
- ✓ Covers multiple writing contexts and disciplines, making it broadly applicable across different academic fields
- ✓ Clear, accessible prose with numerous real examples from published and student work that illustrate concepts effectively
- ✓ Focuses on fundamental rhetorical moves that are transferable skills students can use throughout their academic and professional careers
Cons
- ✗ The reliance on templates may discourage some writers from developing their own unique voice and style
- ✗ Examples are primarily from humanities and social sciences, potentially limiting relevance for STEM-focused students
- ✗ The third edition, while current, may not reflect the most recent developments in digital and multimodal composition
- ✗ Some instructors worry that students may over-rely on templates without deeply understanding the principles behind them
- ✗ The book's conversational framing, while pedagogically sound, doesn't account for all academic genres and writing contexts
Frequently asked questions
What is the main concept behind "They Say / I Say": The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing?
The core concept is that academic writing is fundamentally a conversation. Rather than writing in isolation, students learn to engage with existing ideas by acknowledging what others say before presenting their own arguments. This framework helps writers understand that all good writing responds to something that came before it.
Who authored "They Say / I Say": The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing?
The book was written by Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein, both experienced composition scholars and educators. Graff is a professor of English and education, while Birkenstein specializes in teaching writing. Together, they created this practical guide based on years of classroom experience and research into effective academic writing instruction.
How many templates does "They Say / I Say" provide for writers?
The book provides over 100 ready-to-use templates organized by writing situation and rhetorical move. These templates serve as scaffolding to help writers internalize academic conventions and develop their own voice. Students can adapt these templates to fit their specific writing contexts and arguments across different disciplines.
Is "They Say / I Say": The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing suitable for non-native English speakers?
Yes, the book is particularly valuable for ESL and international students. Its clear, accessible language and abundant templates provide concrete frameworks for understanding English academic discourse. The explicit instruction in academic conventions helps non-native speakers navigate the sometimes unwritten rules of scholarly communication.
Can professors use "They Say / I Say" as a classroom textbook?
Absolutely. The book is widely adopted in first-year composition courses, writing-intensive seminars, and across various disciplines as a primary or supplementary textbook. Its practical focus, clear explanations, and extensive examples make it highly teachable. Many instructors appreciate how it helps students understand writing as a form of engagement rather than isolated skill-building.
At Windsorbooks, we compare prices from trusted sellers so you can buy, rent, or sell textbooks at the best total price — shipping included.
As an Amazon Associate, Windsorbooks.com may earn a small commission on qualifying purchases.