Chapter One

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I am pleased to say that They Say/ I Say has held up their code and actually started with the first chapter being about what "They Say". They Say is the basis of why we care and why the writer is taking the time to tell us about a subject. It gives writing a point; it tells us that the information being covered is part of a much bigger ongoing conversation. 

We start with They Say so our argument can progress slowly and chronologically. The They Say highlights the motivations of the writer and opens the reader’s mind up to the entire paper. Once the They Say is established in the beginning, the writer is on the move to explain their point of view. But the writer must remember to keep restating the They Say throughout the work, so the reader doesn’t get lost on why the writer is still talking.

This article about Lincoln’s assassination is a good example because it first states the facts that everyone needs to know and then tells us all the questions that have been asked in relation. The writers agree that Booth was ultimately responsible, but the writers entertain and evaluate the other people that could have been involved. They opened the article up with common knowledge and expanded on that, so the readers had a solid base to work off of in their thought processes. The simplicity of the beginning opened the readers up to the larger picture slowly.

They Say snags the reader with why it is important to pay attention and should be used to state that same point throughout and argument.

           

Summary of They Say/ I Say Preface and Intro

When I first saw this book and opened it, I thought it was going to be as boring as the Bedford Handbook. But after reading the Preface and Introduction, I now see the true power for entertainment its text has. I thrive and am empowered by debate, and They Say/ I Say is now seen by me to be a very influential facilitator.

It facilitates because it produces conversation and allows a discussion to develop. The templates involve showing that you know your adversary’s point of view and the reasoning behind your views.  It avoids making the reader look narrow minded.

I also saw the reasoning of why we argue. Being provoked is the cause of argument or why humans discuss topics such as movies and music. Everyone has an opinion and can develop one. The way their opinion is presented will either make people agree with them or make the reader join the competitor. What the reader chooses is based on them, but respect and organization should be used by the writer in all cases and decisions.

The templates, guides, and overall patterns create a social and conversational nature. A process of communicating is taught through the text. Some would saw it is copying (or lazy), by patterns are shown and the writer learns from them and adopts them like second nature over time. It takes practice and examples to learn.

The final composition is easier to comprehend because it shows reasoning for each point of view. The power of persuasion takes a tone and sign of careful consideration for each part. They Say/ I Say will empower me to listen to my opponent and maybe even increase my understanding of why I think my opinion is correct. I’m getting influenced into making my writing more conversational!