They Say I Say Chapter 1 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is needed to give academic writing a point?

Begin with your conclusion

State your position

Summarize the arguments of others

Provide a thesis and indicate the larger conversation (correct)

What should writers include in their second paragraph of a short essay?

The conversation to which they are responding.

What is Graff and Birkenstein's suggestion for entering the conversation?

Summarize what 'they say' first.

Writers should remind readers about the conversation periodically in academic writing.

True Signup and view all the answers

What should writers state together as a unit?

Their position and the position to which it is responding. Signup and view all the answers

What is OK to delay in your essay?

Detailed elaboration of the ideas Signup and view all the answers

What indicates something about the arguments of others?

Supporting, opposing, amending, complicating, or qualifying. Signup and view all the answers

Summarizing others' views has no added benefit.

False Signup and view all the answers

What should you ensure if beginning an essay without summarizing others' views?

Illustrate the view you're addressing or lead directly to it. Signup and view all the answers

What is considered 'good writing' according to Graff and Birkenstein's book?

Making true and logical statements with little reference to what others have said. Signup and view all the answers

What are return sentences?

Sentences that re-present the motivating 'they say' to the readers. Signup and view all the answers

What is Graff and Birkenstein's central idea?

Start with what others are saying and keep it in the readers' view. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Academic Writing Essentials

Academic writing requires a clear thesis to engage in ongoing scholarly discussions.
Introducing the broader conversation is crucial for providing context to your thesis.

Paragraph Structure

In a short essay, the second paragraph is the latest point at which the conversation should be explained.
Early engagement with existing discourse strengthens your argument.

Entering the Conversation

Summarizing opposing viewpoints first is a recommended strategy to join the scholarly conversation.
This approach aligns with Graff and Birkenstein's methodology for effective discourse.

Reader Engagement

Periodically reminding readers about the ongoing conversation maintains clarity and relevance in academic writing.
This technique helps anchor the reader's understanding throughout the piece.

Clarifying Positions

Clearly stating your position alongside the counterarguments enhances the coherence of your argument.
Presenting these elements together as a unit strengthens the argumentative structure.

Delaying Elaborations

Detailed elaboration on ideas being responded to can be postponed, but it should not be neglected entirely.
A balance between response and elaboration facilitates smooth narrative progression.

Writing Strategies

Writers can support, oppose, amend, complicate, or qualify others’ arguments, offering a nuanced perspective.
Using these strategies enriches the dialogue surrounding the primary subject.

Benefits of Summarizing

Summarizing others’ viewpoints allows the writer to leverage existing frameworks, easing the burden of framing the issue.
This method enhances clarity and supports the effectiveness of the argument.

Crafting Openings

Begin essays by ensuring that the introduction illustrates the views being addressed, leading readers directly into the argument.
Minimum steps should be employed to transition smoothly into discussion.

Good Writing Redefined

The traditional notion of "good writing" as isolated logic is challenged; engaging with existing discourse is essential.
Emphasizing dialogue with other writers encourages a more credible and dynamic narrative.

Re-presenting Ideas

Return sentences that reintroduce motivating "they say" concepts help reinforce the context for readers.
This technique ensures that ongoing conversations remain at the forefront of the discussion.

Central Theme

Graff and Birkenstein emphasize the importance of starting with existing dialogues and keeping them visible throughout the writing process.
Continuous engagement with others’ ideas fosters a richer academic discussion.

Description

This quiz covers key concepts from Chapter 1 of 'They Say I Say'. You'll learn essential terms related to academic writing, including thesis development and understanding the conversation in essays. Test your knowledge with these flashcards to enhance your writing skills.