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?
Signup and view all the answers
When constructing an argument, remember _____________________.
Signup and view all the answers
When should you give detailed elaboration of the ideas you are responding to?
Signup and view all the answers
What does a writer need to do?
Signup and view all the answers
When should you summarize what others are saying in your paper?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the most important thing in writing?
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?
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.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
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.