They Say I Say Template

Mastering the "They Say / I Say" Template: A Guide to Academic Argumentation

The ability to articulate your own ideas effectively while engaging with existing scholarship is crucial for academic success. This skill is not simply about summarizing what others have written; it's about entering a conversation, respectfully disagreeing, extending, and ultimately contributing to the ongoing dialogue within your field. This is where the "They Say / I Say" template becomes invaluable. This comprehensive guide explores this powerful framework, offering practical strategies and examples to help you construct persuasive and well-supported academic arguments.

Introduction: Why "They Say / I Say" Matters

The "They Say / I Say" template, popularized by Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein in their book of the same name, emphasizes the importance of context and response in academic writing. It’s not enough to simply present your own opinions or analyses; you must first demonstrate your understanding of the existing conversation and position your ideas within that context. This approach avoids the common pitfalls of writing in a vacuum, presenting arguments that seem disconnected and unsupported. By clearly stating what "they say" before articulating what "I say," you create a strong foundation for your argument, making it more persuasive and engaging for your reader. This method strengthens your overall argumentative skills and improves the clarity and impact of your academic work. This approach is crucial across various disciplines, from literature and history to science and social sciences.

Understanding the Core Components: "They Say" and "I Say"

The template's core strength lies in its simplicity. It involves two fundamental steps:

"They Say": This section summarizes the prevailing views, arguments, or theories relevant to your topic. It could be a single viewpoint or a range of perspectives. The key is to accurately and fairly represent the existing scholarship, even if you ultimately disagree with it. This demonstrates your awareness of the ongoing conversation and establishes your credibility as a scholar engaging with the field. Examples might include summarizing a prominent theorist's argument, outlining a common misconception, or presenting a widely held belief in your field.
"I Say": This is where you introduce your own argument, analysis, or interpretation. It's crucial that your "I say" directly responds to the "they say" section. This creates a clear link between your ideas and the existing scholarship, making your contribution more meaningful and relevant. Your "I say" might agree, disagree, complicate, or extend the ideas presented in the "they say" section.

Practical Strategies for Implementing the Template

Successfully integrating the "They Say / I Say" template requires more than just stating "they say" followed by "I say." Consider these strategies for a more nuanced and effective approach:

Clearly identifying the "they": Avoid vague pronouncements like "people say" or "some experts believe." Instead, explicitly name the authors, theorists, or sources you are engaging with. This adds precision and credibility to your argument. For example, instead of saying "Many people think climate change is a hoax," you might say "Contrarian voices like those of [Author's Name] argue that climate change is not anthropogenic."
Using reporting verbs: Reporting verbs are crucial for accurately conveying the nature of the "they say" argument. Choose verbs that reflect the tone and intent of the original source. Examples include: argues, asserts, believes, claims, contends, insists, suggests, proposes, emphasizes, points out. The choice of verb significantly shapes the reader’s understanding of the original argument.
Integrating quotations effectively: Use quotations strategically to support your summary of "they say." However, avoid simply dropping in quotations without explanation or context. Introduce and analyze the quotations, explaining their relevance to your argument. Always provide appropriate citations.
Developing your "I say": Your "I say" should be more than a simple statement of your opinion. It should provide evidence, analysis, and reasoning to support your position. This might include providing examples, drawing on relevant research, or making logical connections.
Using transitional phrases: Use transitional phrases to smoothly connect the "they say" and "I say" sections. This enhances readability and creates a clear flow of ideas. Some useful phrases include: however, in contrast, on the other hand, similarly, furthermore, moreover, nevertheless, in addition.
Addressing counterarguments: A strong argument anticipates and addresses potential counterarguments. Acknowledge alternative viewpoints and explain why your position is more persuasive. This demonstrates intellectual honesty and strengthens your overall argument.

Advanced Techniques: Beyond the Basic Template

While the basic "They Say / I Say" structure is powerful, mastering its application requires moving beyond the simple formula. Consider these more advanced techniques:

Summarizing complex arguments: Successfully summarizing complex arguments requires identifying the main points, supporting evidence, and underlying assumptions. Don't oversimplify or misrepresent the original work.
Synthesizing multiple perspectives: Many academic arguments involve synthesizing multiple perspectives. You might need to summarize several different viewpoints before presenting your own. Organize this synthesis logically, clearly indicating the relationships between different perspectives.
Responding to multiple "they says": Sometimes your argument needs to respond to several different perspectives. Organize these responses systematically, perhaps by grouping similar viewpoints or addressing them chronologically.

Examples: Illustrating the "They Say / I Say" in Action

Let's examine a few examples to illustrate how the "They Say / I Say" template works in practice.

Example 1 (Simple Agreement):

"Many scholars argue that Shakespeare's Hamlet is a play about revenge. I agree with this interpretation, believing that the relentless pursuit of vengeance drives the central conflict and ultimately leads to tragedy."

Example 2 (Disagreement):

"Some critics claim that modern poetry is overly obscure and inaccessible to the average reader. However, I contend that much contemporary poetry engages with complex social and political issues in ways that require careful attention but ultimately reward the reader with profound insights."

Example 3 (Complication):

"While it is often asserted that the American Dream is about upward mobility through hard work, this narrative overlooks the systemic inequalities that limit opportunities for many marginalized groups. While hard work is certainly important, the reality is far more complex and requires a nuanced understanding of historical and structural forces."

Addressing Common Challenges and FAQs

Q: How do I avoid plagiarism when using the "They Say / I Say" template?

A: Always properly cite your sources using the appropriate citation style (MLA, APA, Chicago, etc.). Paraphrase and summarize accurately, avoiding direct quotes unless absolutely necessary. If you use direct quotes, enclose them in quotation marks and provide proper citations.

Q: What if I can't find a clear "they say"?

A: Sometimes you might be working on a topic where there isn't a widely accepted viewpoint. In these cases, you might need to create a context for your argument by introducing relevant background information or outlining a prevailing assumption that your work challenges.

Q: How long should the "they say" and "I say" sections be?

A: The ideal length will vary depending on your overall argument. Generally, your "I say" should be more substantial than your "they say," as it's where you present your unique contributions. However, the balance is essential; a short "they say" can weaken your argument's foundation.

Q: Can I use this template for informal writing?

A: While primarily designed for academic writing, the principles behind the "They Say / I Say" template can be adapted for various writing contexts. The focus on clear communication and contextual awareness is valuable across numerous types of writing.

Conclusion: Becoming a More Effective Academic Writer

The "They Say / I Say" template is more than just a writing strategy; it's a framework for engaging meaningfully with the academic conversation. By mastering this approach, you will not only improve the clarity and persuasiveness of your arguments but also develop a deeper understanding of the scholarly landscape. It encourages a more nuanced and thoughtful approach to academic writing, transforming you from a passive consumer of information into an active contributor to the ongoing scholarly dialogue. Consistent practice with this framework will significantly enhance your ability to construct compelling and well-supported arguments, strengthening your academic voice and contributing meaningfully to your chosen field. Remember, effective academic writing isn't about presenting isolated ideas but about engaging with, challenging, and ultimately advancing the knowledge within your chosen field. The "They Say / I Say" template offers a robust and accessible pathway towards achieving this goal.