“They Say, I Say” is a book useful to those that want to practice argumentative writing. That is probably why I’m trying to get the most out of it. Knowing how to use argumentative writing to the best of its ability is one of my goals for this class. But to do that I would need to know the steps to form an argument in the paper I’m writing.
The templates in “They Say, I Say” helped me to structure my writing into something that provides thorough explanations of my perspectives and strengthen them through conflicting perspectives. The writer needs to show the opposing side of the issue being discussed then states his/her view. Also, the writer has to distinguish their view from the other so the reader won’t be confused about the message of the paper. Specific templates in “They Say, I Say” give the writer a starting point from which he/she can draw an argument from.
The constant repetition in the book is something that kind of irritated me. Almost every chapter mentions that the writer should state what he/she says then what “they” say. This is the order from which a good paper is written from. The importance of it is apparent and I think that readers will realize that when they read it in the introduction and the first chapter. Also, it gives too many example templates that just go on and on. On page twenty-two, they give templates for introducing “standard views”. They listed eight templates which to me is too much. Around three templates are enough to get the idea across to the reader.
