They Say I Say Online Book
Welcome to the world of academic writing, where sounding smart often feels like a chore. But what if I told you there’s a book that makes it feel more like a friendly conversa...
Welcome to the world of academic writing, where sounding smart often feels like a chore. But what if I told you there’s a book that makes it feel more like a friendly conversation? That’s exactly what They Say / I Say offers: a fun, practical toolkit for joining any intellectual discussion without the jargon headache. It’s like having a cheat code for building arguments that are clear, confident, and even—dare I say—enjoyable to write.
At its heart, this book exists to solve one problem: how to respond to others while making your own point. Instead of writing in a vacuum, you learn to listen to what "they say" (the existing debate), then craft your "I say" (your unique take). The biggest advantage? It transforms writing from a lonely monologue into a dynamic dialogue. You’ll never stare at a blank page again, because you’ll always have a conversation partner in mind.
Here’s a creative example: Imagine you’re arguing that video games improve problem-solving skills. Using the book’s templates, you’d start with: “Many critics say video games are a waste of time. However, studies show they boost cognitive flexibility.” See what happened? You first gave the opposition a voice (they say), then jumped in with your counterpoint (I say). The book is full of such templates—like “naysayers object that… but I argue…”—that make complex ideas feel like a playful debate.
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Another fun trick is the “so what?” move. After stating your point, ask yourself: “Why does this matter to my reader?” For instance, if you claim “Remote work boosts productivity,” add: “This matters because it challenges the myth that offices are essential for collaboration.” The book calls this the now what step, and it instantly upgrades any paragraph from bland to compelling.
Practical tip #1: Start with a “they say” sentence in your first paragraph. Even if you’re not sure what “they” think, guess! It forces you to engage with real debates. Tip #2: Use the “yes, no, okay, but” strategy: agree with part of “their” view, then pivot with a gentle “though I’d add…” This keeps your tone respectful while still showing critical thinking.
"They Say / I Say" (5th ed.) by Gerald Graff (ebook)
Practical tip #3: Practice with friends. Pick a hot topic (like “should school uniforms be banned?”) and take turns being “they” and “I.” The more you play with the format, the more natural it becomes. The book even provides closing templates like “In conclusion, while some still believe… I maintain that…” to tie it all together.
So grab a copy of They Say / I Say—or just its free templates online. You’ll soon discover that writing isn’t about being perfect; it’s about joining a conversation with your own voice. And that, my friend, is genuinely fun.
