They Say, I Say Chapter 1

An experienced writer could use sources a number of ways throughout the body of his or her essay.  He or she could use a source to agree with the point he or she is trying to make.  For example, a writer is arguing that the legal drinking age should stay at 21 because alcohol is bad for a person’s body.  He would then include a source from a study that showed the effects of alcohol on a person’s body.  A writer could also find a source that contradicts what he or she is saying in order to show that he or she is arguing against what is the accepted view of society.  Say a writer’s essay is in favor of lengthening paternal leave.  The writer could find an article saying that fathers do not need as much time off after the birth of a child as the mother because she is the child’s primary care giver.  This contradiction to the writer’s view shows what others say and allows the writer to argue against it.
            Sources can also be by a writer in an essay’s conclusion.  A source in the conclusion helps an essay’s point to stick with the reader.  For instance, a writer’s thesis is on how smoking is bad not only for the smoker, but for the smoker’s family.  The source at the end of the essay could be an account from someone who didn’t smoke, but who has suffered because of smoking telling people how someone else’s actions have negatively affected their life. 

They Say, I Say Preface/Introduction

As I read the passage, I agreed and disagreed with the statements made by the authors.  I soundly believe that a great writer connects in some way with his or her audience's view because that is what makes them the great writer they are.  If a writer was not able to incorporate people's views and be engaging, then the writer wouldn't be great.  I strongly agree with the line, “too often, however, academic writing is taught as a process of saying ‘true’ or ‘smart’ things in a vacuum, as if it were possible to argue effectively without being in conversation with someone else.”  The structure of the standard five paragraph essay that is taught is particularly at fault as you consider that line.  The structure allows for a thesis and supporting evidence without giving the chance to express the views that a writer is arguing against.  When a person is writing academically, they tend to throw out or even neglect to mention other people's views while presenting their own opinions.

On the other hand, there comes a point when what a writer is arguing against becomes too predominant in their paper.  What a writer is arguing should be clearly stated or implicit, but should not become redundant in one’s writing.  When the opinions or views that a writer is writing against starts to shadow the actual thoughts of the writer, then it becomes a problem.