“Writing […] calls upon writers not simply to express their own ideas, but to do so as a response to what others have said.”

▪ They Say/I Say Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein

The basic idea is this: As a student you will enter into a “conversation of ideas.”

Similarly, “intellectual writing is almost always composed of others’ texts.”

How do conversations work?

When you enter into a conversation, the first thing you need to do is __________.

Your goal is to be able to understand what ___________.

Then you can contribute _________________.

LISTEN

THEY SAY

YOUR OPINION

When it comes to writing this conversation, a good way to start is to use a template to organize your ideas.

Sample Template (This is your Introduction Background) “In the discussion of _____________, a

controversial issue is whether or ___________. While some argue that _________, others contend that __________.

Sample Template (This is your Thesis Statement)

My view is that _____. Though I concede that ____________, I still maintain that _______. This issue is important because __________.

Sample Response

In the discussion of the value of life , a controversial issue is whether or not to monetarily compensate the surviving victims of tragic event such as those from 9/11, and how to compensate without a bias. While some argue that placing a dollar amount trivializes the loss and suffering, others contend that an objective dollar amount, i.e. 250K for non economic damages, is a just amount paid to victims of 9/11.

Exercise: Consider what we as a class have discussed regarding Amanda Ripley’s Time article “What is Life Worth?”

Using the template handout, begin to formulate an argument commentating on whether or not Feinberg’s manner in dispensing the federal funds is justifiable.

Remember: You are in “conversation” with Ripley so start by stating what she has already said.

Review

So, when you enter into a conversation, the first thing you need to do is __________.

Your goal is to be able to understand what ___________.

Then you can contribute _________________.

LISTEN

THEY SAY

YOUR OPINION

Day 2: Integrating Quotations Now that you’ve formulated your

thesis statement, choose some evidence from the text (quotations) that you can use to demonstrate your point.

You can choose the words “THEY SAY” that either agree with what you say, or that disagree with what you say.

Either way works!

Look at your thesis

My own view is that ____________. Though I concede that ____________, I still maintain that_______________. The issue is important because________________.

What evidence works to prove your point?

Once you find the evidence, integrate it into your own writing

Evidence: X observes that, “_________” (Author’s last name Pg #).

Commentary: In other words, X _______________.

Commentary: Although I agree with X up to a point, I cannot accept his overall conclusion that ______.

Once you find the evidence, integrate it into your own writing

Evidence: X tells people that, ________” (Author’s last name Pg #).

Commentary: I agree that ___________, a point that needs emphasizing since so many people believe _________.

Commentary: In other words, ______________.

Your Turn!

Use the “Useful Templates” handout to practice integrating quotations, and to add relevant commentary.