They Say / I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic

About the Book

They Say / I Say revolutionizes how students approach academic writing by demystifying the art of persuasive argumentation. Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein provide practical templates and clear frameworks that help writers enter ongoing conversations, summarize others’ ideas accurately, and present their own arguments convincingly. This isn’t just another writing handbook—it’s a transformative guide that turns uncertain writers into confident communicators who can engage with complex ideas across any discipline.

From the Back Cover

“The best book on academic writing…it demystifies rhetorical moves, tricks of the trade that many students are unsure about.” This essential guide gives you the tools to make your voice heard in any academic conversation.

About the Author

Gerald Graff is a Professor of English and Education at the University of Illinois at Chicago, and Cathy Birkenstein is a Lecturer in English at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Together, they’ve spent decades teaching and studying how students learn to write effectively. Their combined expertise in composition, rhetoric, and pedagogy has helped millions of students worldwide develop stronger writing skills and academic confidence.

Who Is This Book For?

This book is ideal for high school and college students struggling with essay writing, educators seeking better teaching tools, ESL learners navigating academic English, and professionals who want to improve their persuasive communication. Whether you’re writing your first research paper or refining your argumentative skills, these proven templates help you organize thoughts clearly, respond to counterarguments effectively, and present ideas that matter to your audience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is They Say I Say good for college students?
Absolutely. This book is widely used in college composition courses because it teaches practical templates that work across all academic disciplines, from humanities to sciences.

Q: What are the templates in They Say I Say?
The book provides sentence templates and rhetorical frameworks for summarizing arguments, introducing quotes, agreeing or disagreeing with sources, and connecting your ideas to what others have said.

Q: Can this book help with argumentative essay writing?
Yes. It specifically teaches how to build strong arguments by engaging with multiple perspectives, anticipating objections, and presenting your position within ongoing academic conversations.

Q: Is They Say I Say suitable for ESL students?
Definitely. The clear templates and structured approach make it especially valuable for English language learners who need concrete frameworks for academic writing in English.

Q: What makes this academic writing book different from others?
Unlike traditional grammar-focused textbooks, They Say I Say focuses on the rhetorical moves and conversational aspects of writing—teaching you not just what to say, but how to enter and contribute to academic discussions effectively.