Review:
They Say I Say By Gerald Graff And Cathy Birkenstein
overall review score: 4.2
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
score is between 0 and 5
They Say / I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing by Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein is a widely-used textbook and instructional guide that emphasizes the importance of engaging with what others have said in academic writing. It introduces readers to key rhetorical moves and templates that help students craft persuasive, well-argued essays by integrating sources thoughtfully and effectively. The book aims to foster critical thinking and confident writing skills, especially in educational settings.
Key Features
- Focus on rhetorical strategies and conversational templates for academic writing
- Emphasis on engaging with and rebutting opposing viewpoints
- Clear guidance for structuring arguments and incorporating sources
- Accessible language suitable for students and educators
- Practical exercises and examples to reinforce learning
- Widely adopted in college composition courses
Pros
- Provides a practical framework for developing effective academic arguments
- Accessible and student-friendly language
- Helps students understand how to integrate sources smoothly
- Encourages critical engagement with ideas
- Widely used in educational settings, indicating its effectiveness
Cons
- May be perceived as formulaic by some advanced writers
- Focused primarily on academic writing, less useful for other styles of writing
- Some readers might find the templates limiting or overly prescriptive