They Say/I Say Chapter 1 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Whether you begin your paper with an illustrative quotation, a revealing fact or statistic, or a relevant anecdote, be sure _______________________

that it in some way illustrates the view you are addressing or leads you to that view directly, with a minimum of steps

What should the writer do to keep the audience engaged?

explain what he or she is responding to early in the discussion

What is the point of the anecdote that the authors share at the beginning of Chapter One of They Say/I Say?

You need to show what you are responding to in order to make your point clear to your audience.

Is it okay to keep the readers in suspense about your central argument?

False Signup and view all the answers

When constructing an argument, remember _____________________.

you are entering a conversation, and you must start with what others are saying Signup and view all the answers

When should you give detailed elaboration of the ideas you are responding to?

give a brief summary of the ideas you are responding to early, and delay detailed elaboration until later Signup and view all the answers

What does a writer need to do?

indicate clearly not only what his or her thesis is, but also what larger conversation that thesis is responding to Signup and view all the answers

When should you summarize what others are saying in your paper?

as soon as you can Signup and view all the answers

What is the most important thing in writing?

a point Signup and view all the answers

What is the point of giving a brief summary of the ideas you are responding to early in your paper?

to give your readers a quick preview of what is motivating your argument without drowning them in details Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Starting Your Paper

Begin with a relevant quote, fact, statistic, or anecdote to engage readers and illustrate your point.
Ensure that your opening effectively connects to the view you are addressing directly, minimizing cognitive leaps for the audience.

Engaging the Audience

Clearly explain the subject matter you are responding to early in your discussion to maintain audience interest.

Importance of Anecdotes

Share anecdotes to clarify the topic you are addressing, establishing a context that makes your argument more accessible and comprehensible.

Addressing Central Arguments

Reveal your central argument early in the paper to avoid keeping readers in suspense too long. This clarity enhances their understanding of your perspective.

Entering the Conversation

Recognize that constructing an argument means entering an existing dialogue; begin with the views of others to provide a foundation for your own argument.

Elaboration Timing

Provide a brief overview of the ideas that you are responding to initially, reserving detailed elaboration for later sections of your paper to avoid overwhelming the reader.

Thesis Clarity

Clearly articulate both your thesis and the broader conversation it engages with; this helps position your argument within a larger context.

Summarizing Early

Include summaries of opposing views as promptly as possible to establish a framework for your argument and demonstrate its relevance.

Centrality of Points

Focus on the significance of your main point, as this is the cornerstone of effective writing—articulating well-defined arguments is crucial.

Previewing Your Argument

Offering a concise summary of the ideas you are responding to early in your paper serves to preview the motivations behind your argument without inundating the reader with excessive details.

Description

Test your understanding of key concepts from Chapter 1 of 'They Say/I Say'. This quiz features important definitions and strategies for engaging writing. Enhance your skills and ensure your writing effectively responds to the views it addresses.