“They Say” CHAPTER ONE STARTING WITH WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING GETTING INTO THE CONVERSATION • Chapter 1 begins with an implied “they say”: that a claim can stand on its own. The authors counter that good academic writing responds to what others are saying. • A writer needs to indicate clearly not only his thesis, but also what larger conversation the thesis is responding to. • Introduce what “they say” • What larger question are you answering? INTRODUCING WHAT "THEY SAY" Templates to introduce what “They Say” Many people assume that ________________ . EX: Many people assume that a good life is easily defined as having a good job, earning a lot of money, or finding fame. However, authors such as Ricard would argue that there is more to a good life than just chasing fame and fortune. 2. It is often said that ________________. EX: It is often said that the good life is hard to measure, but as Waldinger discusses the Harvard University study on happiness, we learn that this is false and that we can define what a good life is (Waldinger, 00:01:15 - 00:02:00). MAKING WHAT “THEY SAY” SOMETHING YOU SAY When I was a child, I used to think that ___________________. EX: When I was a child, I used to think that happiness was being married, having two kids, a dog, and a good-paying job. Now, after reading the Dalai Lama’s theories on happiness, I am questioning this ideal. 2. Although I should know better by now, I cannot help thinking that ________________. EX: Although I should know better by now, I cannot help thinking that a life well planned may not be a life worth living. Hunter S. Thompson argued… INTRODUCING A DEBATE In discussions of X, one controversial issue has been ________. On the one hand, _______ argues________. On the other hand, _________contends _______. Others even maintain ___________. My own view is ______________. EX: In writings on the good life, it has been stated that you should reflect upon and plan your life. On the one hand, Mourdoukoutas argues that we should examine our life and experience “true” pleasure. On the other hand, Hunter S. Thompson contends that “being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube” (qtd. in Klosowski). My own view is that life is full of balance, and we can take risks while still reflecting on the life we have lived. “Her Point Is” CHAPTER TWO THE ART OF SUMMARIZING SUMMARIZING AN ARGUEMENT • In order to argue persuasively with others, then summarizing others’ arguments and ideas is essential • A good summary balances what the original author is saying with the writer’s own point of view • To write a good summary, you need to put yourself in the writer’s shoes Signal Verbs that Fit the Action • Try to avoid the “bland formula” of saying things like: • “she says” • “they believe” Though this formula can work, but it “often fails to reflect accurately what’s been said” (38). It is sometimes appropriate to use those phrases but consider how more tailored and lively language might better suit your paper. INTRODUCING SUMMARIES & QUOTATIONS She advocates a radical revision of the juvenile justice system. They celebrate the fact that a good life is one that is filled with strong relationships (Waldinger). , he admits. VERBS FOR INTRODUCING SUMMARIES & QUOTATIONS • Verbs for Making a Claim • Argue • Assert • Believe Insist Observe Remind us Claim Report Emphasize Suggest • Verbs for Expressing Agreement • • • • Acknowledge Agree Reaffirm Support Endorse Praise Corroborate Do not deny Admire Extol Celebrate the fact that Verify VERBS FOR INTRODUCING SUMMARIES & QUOTATIONS • Verbs for Questioning or Disagreeing • • • • Complain Question Contradict Renounce Qualify Contend Reject Repudiate Complicate Refute Deny Deplore the tendency to • Verbs for Making Recommendations • Advocate • Plead • Encourage Implore Call for Demand Urge Exhort Warn Recommend “As He Himself Puts It” CHAPTER THREE “THE ART OF QUOTING GETTING INTO THE CONVERSATION • Chapter 3 introduces the strategies of quoting what others say. • Frame your quotes. Don't “hit and run”! • Quote “Sandwich”. THE “QUOTATION SANDWICH” • The introduction to a quote is the “top piece of bread” • The quote is the “meat” • The explanation is the “bottom piece of bread” INTRODUCING A QUOTE X himself writes, “_________________”. EX: Thompson himself says, “So we shall let the reader answer this question for himself: Who is the happier man, he who has braved the storm of life and lived, or he who has stayed securely on shore and merely existed?” (qtd in Klosowski). X agrees when she writes “__________________”. EX: Klosowski agrees with Thompson when he writes, “We like to think that staying home, staying at the same job, and being safe leads to a happier life. But for many, that’s recipe for resentment”. EXPLAINING A QUOTE X’s point is that _________________. EX: Thompson states, “So we shall let the reader answer this question for himself: Who is the happier man, he who has braved the storm of life and lived, or he who has stayed securely on shore and merely existed” (qtd. In Klosowski). Thompson’s point is that it is better to throw caution to the wind and take chances in life versus the man who keeps it safe and straightforward and never knows risk or adversity.
