Does one size fit all?

“They say, I say” argues that in order to make a compelling argument, it is best to first summarize or quote the opposition’s beliefs, then to move on to your own claims. This is because the author argues that in order to keep your audience’s attention, it’s important to explain early on to your audience what you are responding about. Although I agree with the author in that this approach is the most beneficial approach to writing an argumentative paper, I also believe that this approach should be reserved for more advanced writers.

Unlike the “They say, I say” approach, growing up, I have always been taught that for argumentative papers, the introducing paragraph is best utilized by briefly introducing your topic and ending that paragraph by asserting your argument via a strong thesis. Then you would break down the parts of your thesis into separate body paragraphs. In one or two of these body paragraphs, you would address and refute any possible claims that would be brought up by the opposition. This approach is simple and follows an easy guideline that can be effective for almost any writer. Although this is the case, I think that the “They say, I say” approach is a much better tool for college students or students that are generally comfortable with their writing skillset.

The “They say” chapter includes some really helpful tips that are applicable to not only the “They say, I say” approach, but to writers following any approach. For example, the section “Keep What ‘They Say’ in View” points to the fact that no matter how complex or how simple your thesis is, it is imperative to remind the readers the ideas you are responding to. This is beneficial especially if you are trying to prove a complex point, like for the author, supporting the “They say, I say” approach. For example, the author begins chapter one with the Dr. X anecdote to explain the importance of a strong “they say” in everyday life. She gives the story of Dr. X and his mishaps. The author used this anecdote ultimately to strengthen and reinforce the point she was trying to make in the chapter: opening with a strong “They Say” is important when you are trying to convince someone, like in an argumentative paper. Because the author used an anecdote to show a poorly executed “they say,” to me she really demonstrated the importance of her approach.

After reading the first chapter and learning about the complexities behind just the “they say” part of the approach, I believe that for someone that is an advanced writer, the “They say, I say” approach is the best approach to an argumentative paper. It is because experienced writers will be able to handle the freedom this approach brings without having to consistently worry about getting off track and following strict guidelines. Although the first chapter addresses many complex templates to use in the “they say” portion of a paper, the general outline is that you begin by stating the opposition’s opinion on the topic and then follow up the remaining paper with an “I say” approach. Compared to the standard approach, since the “They say, I say” guideline contains numerous templates and less structural rules, it places fewer limitations on the writer’s creativity. On the other hand, for someone with beginners writing skills or someone who easily steers away from the topic at hand, they would find the more structured, laid-out approach more beneficial.