Books › "They Say / I Say"
"They Say / I Say"
First published 2007 · 832 pages
A pragmatic, demystifying guide that transforms the daunting task of academic argumentation into a series of accessible, learnable moves.
What it feels like
Reading this handbook feels like sitting down with a patient, pragmatic writing coach who is determined to pull back the curtain on academic discourse. The pace is steady and structured, designed to build confidence as it demystifies the often-intimidating expectations of persuasive writing. Rather than drowning the reader in abstract theory, the atmosphere is deeply practical and clarifying, anchored by imaginative templates that make complex rhetorical strategies feel immediately accessible. The prose is clear and direct, focusing entirely on teaching the core moves of effective argumentation. It is an empowering, focused experience that will delight college students, educators, and anyone eager to master the art of entering a scholarly conversation with clarity and authority.
- Mood
- academic
- structured
- clarifying
- focused
- Tone
- instructional
- encouraging
- pragmatic
- demystifying
- authoritative
- Pace
- steady
- Themes
- academic writing · effective argumentation · rhetorical strategy · persuasive communication · skill acquisition
- The writing
- Clear, direct, and highly practical, utilizing imaginative templates to break down complex rhetorical moves.
- The arc
- Moves from the intimidation of academic expectations to the empowering clarity of structured argumentation.
- Who it's for
- Students, educators, and aspiring writers seeking a straightforward guide to mastering academic and persuasive writing.
About the book
"At a time when so many lament the decline of writing skills among Americans, They Say/I Say teaches the core moves of effective argumentative writing. Suggesting that there are certain moves that experienced writers use instinctively, and that the moves can be learned, this book offers a number of imaginative templates for doing so. Praised for "demystifying the tricks of the writer's trade," They Say/I Say grows from Gerald Graff's award-winning Clueless in Academe."--Jacket.
Description from Open Library.
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