Review:
They Say I Say: The Moves That Matter In Academic Writing By Gerald Graff
overall review score: 4.5
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score is between 0 and 5
They Say / I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing by Gerald Graff is a widely used instructional book aimed at teaching students how to craft effective academic writing. It emphasizes the importance of understanding and mastering key rhetorical moves—such as summarizing, quoting, and responding—that help students engage with existing ideas while developing their own arguments. The book provides practical examples, exercises, and templates to facilitate clear and persuasive scholarly communication.
Key Features
- Focus on core rhetorical moves in academic writing
- Student-friendly language and accessible approach
- Includes numerous examples and exercise opportunities
- Emphasizes the importance of engaging with other texts (dialogic writing)
- Provides practical strategies for summarizing, quoting, and responding
- Widely adopted in educational settings for teaching writing skills
Pros
- Effective framework for understanding academic discourse
- Accessible for students at various levels
- Practical techniques that improve clarity and engagement
- Provides useful templates to guide writing processes
- Encourages critical thinking through dialogic approach
Cons
- May be somewhat formulaic for advanced writers seeking more nuanced techniques
- Focuses primarily on argumentative writing; less on other genres
- Some readers may find the repetitive structure less inspiring over time