They Say/I Say

The book that demystifies academic writing, teaching students to frame their arguments in the larger context of what else has been said about their topic–and providing templates to help them make the key rhetorical moves.

The best-selling new composition book published in this century, in use at more than 1,000 schools, They Say / I Say has essentially defined academic writing, identifying its key rhetorical moves, the most important of which is to summarize what others have said (“they say”) to set up one’s own argument (“I say”). The book also provides templates to help students make these key moves in their own writing.

The Second Edition includes a new chapter on reading that shows students how to read for the larger conversation, and three new chapters on the moves that matter in literature, the social sciences, and the sciences.

Tied to the chapters of They Say, I Say, TheySayIBlog will contain up-to-the-minute readings that will enliven any writing course and inspire students to “join the conversation." Headnotes will introduce each reading, and students can join in through critical thinking questions and inspiring writing prompts.  TheySayIBlog.com.  Join the conversation.