They Say I Say Chapter Summaries

Chapter 1: "They Say"
Chapter 1 focuses on starting with what others are saying. In order to do so effectively, the writer must clearly indicate their thesis as well as the bigger picture it relates to. In order to do this effectively you must show what you are supporting, amending, opposing, etc.

Chapter 2: "Her Point Is"
Chapter 2 focuses on summarizing. Summarizing requires you to evaluate what you are saying as well as what the original author is saying. There needs to be a balance. Avoiding seeming extremely biased is a main concern. Summarizing requires you to put yourself in the other author's shoes in order to effectively analyze your view.

Chapter 3: "As He Puts Himself It"
Chapter 3 focuses on the art of quoting. Rather than simply summarizing, quoting gives the writer a lot of credibility. Some people quote to little and some quote too much-- once again there needs to be a balance. Also, quoting requires commentary on the quote. Quotes alone are not sufficient enough to simply insert into a paper. Quoting requires inserting the quote into specific context with specific purpose. Your words and the author's words need to be connected.

Chapter 4: "Yes/No/Okay, But"
Chapter 4 focuses on responding. Whether you are agreeing or disagreeing, your argument requires explaining. Simply stating your view does not satisfy the requirements for writing a successful paper. You must always give commentary on your concrete details.

Chapter 5: "And Yet"
Chapter 5 focuses on distinguishing between what they say and you say. Certain key words such as ____ argues, according to ______, helps distinguish what they say from what you say. Voice markers are extremely important when distinguishing between they say and i say.

Chapter 6: "Skeptics May Object"
Chapter 6 focuses on planting a naysayer in your text. It is important to view both sides. Inserting an opposing remark brings your paper full circle showing that you realize both sides of what you are writing about.

Chapter 7: "So What Who Cares"
Chapter 7 focuses on stating why it matters. The "who cares" covers who your writing is targeting and why they should care. There is also the "so what." You need to justify why your point is valid. You need to link your argument to some other bigger argument. Both of these statements need to be clear and easy to follow. Successfully managing the "who cares" and "so what" draws the reader into your paper.

Chapter 8: "As a Result"
Chapter 8 focuses on connecting the parts. Words such as but, and, even though are good transitions. Rereading your writing is one of the best ways to identify if your writing flows. Using computer spell and grammar check does not qualify. Pointing words help identify something later with something prior, etc. For example: these, that, though, such, etc.

Chapter 9: "Ain's So/Is Not"
Chapter 9 focuses on the fact that just because you are writing academically does not mean you need to set aside your own "voice" when you write. In order to successfully write academically while keeping your own voice you must balance the two. Using everyday words mingled in with your academic words allows you to do so.

Chapter 10: "In Other Words"
Chapter 10 focuses on metacommentary. Metacommentary is when the writer is not offering new points and is suggesting how the reader how to interpret what has already been said. "My point is____." "What I meant to say was______." Metacommentary is used to clarify and elaborate. Metacommentary allows the writer to turn a 3 page paper into a 5 page paper just by expanding some ideas with some key phrases.