Chapter 3: They Say / I Say
In the world of academic writing and argumentation, there exists a powerful tool that can transform the way you present your ideas and engage with your audience. This tool is known as "They Say / I Say," a framework that provides a structured approach to constructing persuasive arguments and engaging in critical discourse. In this article, we will explore the origins, principles, and applications of the "They Say / I Say" method, and how it can be used to enhance your writing and communication skills.
Introduction to "They Say / I Say"
The "They Say / I Say" method was developed by Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein in their book, "They Say / I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing.In real terms, " The authors argue that this method is a way to organize and present your ideas in a way that is clear, persuasive, and engaging. By following the "They Say / I Say" structure, you can effectively argue your point of view, refute counterarguments, and provide evidence to support your claims And that's really what it comes down to. Turns out it matters..
The "They Say" Part
The "They Say" part of the "They Say / I Say" method involves presenting the arguments and perspectives of others in your field. Still, this can include established scholars, experts, or even opposing viewpoints. By acknowledging and engaging with these ideas, you demonstrate that you are familiar with the existing literature and have a solid foundation for your own arguments.
To effectively use the "They Say" part of your writing, you should:
- Identify key arguments and perspectives in your field.
- Summarize these ideas in your own words, rather than copying and pasting.
- Provide context for these ideas, including their origins and implications.
- Acknowledge any limitations or weaknesses in these arguments.
The "I Say" Part
The "I Say" part of the "They Say / I Say" method involves presenting your own arguments and perspectives. This is where you can introduce new ideas, challenge existing assumptions, and provide evidence to support your claims. By following the "I Say" structure, you can effectively argue your point of view and engage with your audience.
To effectively use the "I Say" part of your writing, you should:
- Clearly state your main argument or thesis.
- Provide evidence to support your claims, including data, examples, and quotes.
- Address any counterarguments or opposing viewpoints.
- Use rhetorical strategies to engage your audience and persuade them to your point of view.
Combining "They Say" and "I Say"
The key to using the "They Say / I Say" method effectively is to combine the "They Say" and "I Say" parts in a way that creates a cohesive and persuasive argument. By acknowledging and engaging with the arguments of others, you can build on their ideas and present a more compelling argument for your own position Worth keeping that in mind..
To combine "They Say" and "I Say" in your writing, you should:
- Use the "They Say" part to establish the context and background for your argument.
- Use the "I Say" part to present your own ideas and evidence.
- Use transitions and connective phrases to link the "They Say" and "I Say" parts.
- Use rhetorical strategies to engage your audience and persuade them to your point of view.
Examples of "They Say / I Say" in Practice
To see how the "They Say / I Say" method can be used in practice, let's consider an example argument about climate change. On the flip side, in the "They Say" part, we might present the argument that climate change is a major threat to the environment and human society. In the "I Say" part, we might present evidence that shows how climate change is already causing harm, and how we can mitigate its effects And that's really what it comes down to..
By using the "They Say / I Say" method, we can create a more persuasive argument that acknowledges the existing evidence and presents new ideas and evidence to support our position. This can help us engage with our audience and persuade them to our point of view It's one of those things that adds up..
Conclusion
The "They Say / I Say" method is a powerful tool for academic writing and argumentation. By following this method, you can effectively present your ideas, engage with your audience, and construct persuasive arguments. Whether you are writing an academic paper, a research proposal, or a persuasive essay, the "They Say / I Say" method can help you create a more compelling and persuasive argument That's the whole idea..
Applying the Template to Different Genres
While the “They Say / I Say” framework originated in academic writing, its versatility makes it equally useful in other contexts—blog posts, op‑eds, grant proposals, and even business pitches. Below are brief guidelines for adapting the template to each genre Took long enough..
| Genre | How to Frame “They Say” | How to Frame “I Say” | Tips for Seamless Integration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blog post | Summarize the prevailing online chatter, popular myths, or recent headlines that your readers are likely to have encountered. | Offer your unique spin, personal anecdotes, or fresh data that distinguishes your post from the noise. | Use conversational transitions (“But here’s the twist…”, “You might think that, yet…”) to keep the tone informal yet authoritative. |
| Op‑ed | Cite the dominant policy narrative, a recent legislative decision, or the stance of a major interest group. In real terms, | Argue for a different policy direction, backed by statistics, expert testimony, or case studies. | Keep the “They Say” concise—readers often skim op‑eds—then launch quickly into a compelling “I Say” that stakes a clear, actionable claim. In practice, |
| Grant proposal | Outline the current state of knowledge in the field, highlighting gaps identified by leading scholars or funding agencies. | Position your project as the solution to those gaps, detailing methodology, expected outcomes, and broader impact. | Use “According to…” and “Our approach will…” as signposts; reviewers appreciate a logical flow from problem to proposed remedy. |
| Business pitch | Present the market’s existing solutions, competitor offerings, or customer pain points that investors are already aware of. Because of that, | Demonstrate how your product/service addresses those pain points more effectively, using prototypes, pilot data, or early‑adopter testimonials. | Pair each competitor claim with a direct counterpoint (“While X relies on…, our platform leverages…”) to keep the narrative tight and persuasive. |
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
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Over‑summarizing “They Say.”
Problem: A thin or generic summary can make your piece feel shallow, and readers may question whether you truly understand the opposing view.
Solution: Allocate at least one paragraph to the strongest version of the counterargument. Quote a reputable source or present a succinct statistic to give it weight That alone is useful.. -
Turning “I Say” into a laundry list.
Problem: Dumping a series of facts without clear organization overwhelms readers and dilutes your central claim.
Solution: Structure your evidence around a few key sub‑claims. Each sub‑claim should have its own mini “They Say / I Say” mini‑dialogue, creating a nested, hierarchical argument The details matter here.. -
Neglecting the “So What?” question.
Problem: Even a well‑crafted “I Say” may leave readers wondering why the argument matters.
Solution: After presenting your evidence, explicitly state the implications—policy changes, future research directions, societal benefits, etc. This bridges the gap between knowledge and action Not complicated — just consistent.. -
Using overly formal transitions.
Problem: Phrases like “That said, it is evident that…” can feel stilted, especially in more informal writing.
Solution: Match the tone to your audience. In a scholarly article, a formal transition works; in a blog post, a casual connector (“But here’s the kicker…”) feels more natural.
A Mini‑Workshop: Re‑Writing a Paragraph
Original paragraph (weak “They Say / I Say”):
Many people think that remote work reduces productivity. On the flip side, recent studies show that employees actually work more efficiently at home.
Revised paragraph (strong “They Say / I Say”):
They say that remote work inevitably leads to a drop in productivity, a view reinforced by a 2018 Gallup poll in which 62 % of managers reported “decreased output” among telecommuters. I say the opposite: a 2023 meta‑analysis of 48 peer‑reviewed studies found that remote employees logged an average of 13 % more completed tasks than their in‑office counterparts, a gain attributed to fewer interruptions and flexible scheduling. On top of that, a case study of a multinational software firm revealed a 21 % increase in project delivery speed after adopting a hybrid model, underscoring that the relationship between location and output is far more nuanced than the conventional wisdom suggests.
Notice how the revised version:
- Precisely cites the opposing data (Gallup poll).
- Offers a concrete counter‑study (2023 meta‑analysis) with a quantifiable result.
- Adds a real‑world illustration (software firm case study) to make the claim tangible.
- Uses a clear transition (“Moreover”) to weave the evidence together.
Final Checklist Before Submission
| ✔ | Item |
|---|---|
| 1 | Have I identified the strongest version of the opposing argument? Worth adding: |
| 2 | Does my “I Say” directly address each point raised in “They Say”? Consider this: |
| 3 | Is every claim backed by credible evidence (data, peer‑reviewed sources, expert testimony)? |
| 4 | Have I acknowledged at least one legitimate counter‑argument and explained why my position still holds? Because of that, |
| 5 | Are my transitions smooth, guiding the reader from “They Say” to “I Say” without abrupt jumps? Practically speaking, |
| 6 | Have I articulated the broader significance of my argument (“So what? ”)? |
| 7 | Is the tone appropriate for my intended audience and genre? |
| 8 | Have I proofread for clarity, concision, and grammatical accuracy? |
Conclusion
The “They Say / I Say” method is more than a simple writing template; it is a disciplined way of thinking. By first honoring the existing conversation and then assertively contributing your own voice, you create a dialogue rather than a monologue. This dialogue invites readers to see the issue from multiple angles, builds trust through transparent engagement with opposing views, and ultimately strengthens the persuasiveness of your argument No workaround needed..
Whether you are drafting a scholarly article, a persuasive blog post, or a high‑stakes grant proposal, the same core steps apply: articulate the prevailing discourse, present your evidence‑rich response, and weave the two together with clear, purposeful transitions. Mastering this rhythm equips you with a versatile rhetorical toolkit—one that can adapt to any discipline, audience, or purpose.
So the next time you sit down to write, remember: first listen to “They Say,” then confidently say “I Say.” In doing so, you not only advance your own ideas but also enrich the broader conversation, moving knowledge forward one well‑crafted argument at a time Easy to understand, harder to ignore..
