Writing a They Say / I Say Intro
Puente English
Fall 2007
Step 1: “They Say” Thesis
 Build your intro around your “They Say” thesis.
 That thesis should answer the question “How does
Rodriguez think that ______ shapes the lives of young
Latinos?”
 The simplest example of a “They say” thesis begins
with the “According to…” structure, but you can
explore fancier options if you wish.
“They Say” Thesis Examples
 Simple: According to Rodriguez, racism in our school
system prevents young Latinos from achieving their
intellectual goals.
 Fancy: Although Rodriguez has some good moments
in school, he ultimately argues that racism in our
school system prevents young Latinos from achieving
their goals.
Check your “They Say” Thesis
 Does it answer the question, “how does Rodriguez
believe ______ shapes the lives of young Latinos?
 Have you stated Rodriguez’s position as concisely
and clearly as possible (remember--you explain his
position in detail in the paper; here, you simply need
to clearly state it.
 Which approach do you take--simple or fancy?
 One you have checked and revised your “they say”
thesis, continue with this PowerPoint.
Step 2: Add the “I Say” Thesis
 The “I say” thesis states your opinion on the issue you
have presented in your “they say” thesis.
 You can agree, disagree, or partially agree and
disagree.
 You can use a simple “I agree…” type structure, a “bit
fancier” compound sentence structure or a “super
fancy” subordinate clause structure.
“I Say” Examples
 Simple: I agree with Rodriguez that racism in schools
negatively affects Latinos.
 A Bit Fancier: I agree with Rodriguez that racism in
schools negatively affects Latinos, but I also think that
individuals can overcome this racism if they choose a
different path.
 Super Fancy: While Rodriguez sees racism as an
insurmountable obstacles, I believe that racism is
declining in our schools and should not prevent any of
us from succeeding.
Check Your “I Say Thesis”
 Before continuing with this PowerPoint, check your “I
say” thesis.
 Does it clearly and concisely state your position in
terms of whether you agree, disagree, or a little of
both with Rodriguez.
 Which structure did you go with: simple, a bit fancier,
or super-fancy?
 Once you have checked and revised your “I say”
thesis, go on with this PowerPoint.
Step 3: Combine the Two
 Now combine your “they say” and “I say” thesis
statements to form the anchor or end of your
introductory paragraph.
 Once these two are set up, you will add some
sentences that provide a context for these thesis
statements.
Combo Examples
 Simple: According to Rodriguez, racism in our school
system prevents young Latinos from achieving their
intellectual goals. I agree with Rodriguez that racism
in schools negatively affects Latinos.
 Fancy: Although Rodriguez has some good moments
in school, he ultimately argues that racism in our
school system prevents young Latinos from achieving
their goals. I agree with Rodriguez that racism in
schools negatively affects Latinos, but I also think that
individuals can overcome this racism if they choose a
different path.
Step 4: Add Context Before Your
Thesis Statements
 Now that you have your thesis statements, use some
context materials to set them up for the reader.
 Three ideas that could work (but so could others):
 1) background,
 2) interesting quote,
 3) anecdote (from you or Rodriguez).
Background Intro Example
 Throughout Always Running, Luis Rodriguez
describes his experiences in schools. From his first
year in school--when he actually wet his pants
because he did not know enough English to ask
where the bathroom was--to his experience as a
student leader in his final years of high school,
Rodriguez comments on and analyzes the role of
education in poor Latino communities. According to
Rodriguez, racism in our school system prevents
young Latinos from achieving their intellectual goals. I
agree with Rodriguez that racism in schools negatively
affects Latinos.
Quote Intro Example
 Albert Einstein once wrote that “It is a miracle that
curiosity survives formal education.” In Always
Running, Luis Rodriguez how racial stereotyping
shapes formal education in poor, Latino communities
and stifles the natural curiosity of Latino children.
Although Rodriguez has some good moments in
school, he ultimately argues that racism in our school
system prevents young Latinos from achieving their
goals. I agree with Rodriguez that racism in schools
negatively affects Latinos, but I also think that
individuals can overcome this racism if they choose a
different path.
Anecdote Example Intro
 Growing up I found school a difficult experience. My
teachers did not seem to understand or appreciate
me, more often than not choosing to send me to the
principal’s office rather than trying to figure out why I
was such a “difficult child.” Luis Rodriguez also
experienced a distance between himself and his
teachers, but for Rodriguez race created that distance.
According to Rodriguez, racism in our school system
prevents young Latinos from achieving their
intellectual goals. I agree with Rodriguez that racism
in schools negatively affects Latinos.
Check Your Intro
 Now that you have reviewed these examples, go back
and check your intro.
 Do you provide a context for your two thesis
statements (They say and I say)?
 Which approach do you use: background, quote,
anecdote, or something else?