They Say, I Say, Chapter 7 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What does 'answering who cares?' involve?

Justifying claims

Explaining why arguments matter

Identifying a group of people who are invested in your claims (correct)

Linking your argument to a larger matter

What is the purpose of 'answering so what?'

To justify your claims

To explain how arguments matter

To link your argument to a larger issue of importance (correct)

To identify a specific audience

Justifying claims is not necessary in academic writing.

False

Explaining why arguments matter is a common challenge for young writers.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is a common reason for a 'so what?' statement?

Some belief needing to be corrected or updated. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'rather than assume' suggest in writing?

To be explicit in communication Signup and view all the answers

What is the central advice from They Say, I Say?

Offer a clear claim and frame that claim as a response to what someone else has said. Signup and view all the answers

Depending on readers' assumptions makes writing more interesting.

False Signup and view all the answers

What do readers always need to know?

What is at stake in the conversation. Signup and view all the answers

What does developing context add to your thesis?

Your assertion and answers to 'so what?' and 'who cares?' Signup and view all the answers

Naming specific people in your writing can help gain authority.

True Signup and view all the answers

What effect does establishing a clash of views have on readers?

They will feel invested and want to see resolution Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Understanding "So What? Who Cares?"

Need to identify an audience interested in the claim to effectively answer "who cares?"
Connect your argument to broader issues valued by readers to address "so what?"

Importance of Justifying Claims

Justifying claims is essential across all writing disciplines, enhancing the credibility of arguments.
Young writers often neglect to explain the significance of their arguments, which weakens their writing.

Common Reasons for "So What?"

Addressing beliefs that require correction or updating is a prevalent reason behind the "so what?" question.

Clarity and Explicitness in Writing

Avoid assuming that readers understand your perspective; strive for explicit communication to enhance clarity.

Central Advice from They Say, I Say

A clear claim should be presented as a response to prior arguments, fostering dialogic engagement.

Readers' Assumptions

Relying on readers' assumptions can lead to uninteresting writing; it’s crucial to make every point engaging.

Stakes in the Conversation

It is imperative for readers to know what is at stake in the discussion, guiding their investment in the topic.

Developing Context

Context enriches your thesis by going beyond just the topic and assertion, including responses to "so what?" and "who cares?"

Authority through Specificity

Naming specific individuals in your arguments enhances your authority and credibility as a writer.

Establishing a Clash of Views

Introducing contrasting perspectives keeps readers engaged and eager for a resolution, enhancing the argumentative depth.

Description

This quiz features flashcards based on Chapter 7 of 'They Say, I Say', focusing on the important concepts of answering 'who cares?' and 'so what?'. It emphasizes the necessity of justifying claims in writing, making it a valuable resource for understanding effective argumentation. Review these key rhetorical strategies to enhance your writing skills.