they say i say

FOUR - "YES/NO/OK, BUT"

Three Ways to Respond

Introduction

• The first three chapters discuss the "they say" stage of writing, focusing on the views of others.

• The current chapter transitions to the "I say" stage, where you provide your own argument in response.

The Challenge of Transitioning to "I Say"

• Transitioning to the "I say" stage can be intimidating, especially in academia.

  • Many feel they need to be experts to make a valid argument.

  • Students often express feelings of inadequacy, believing they lack knowledge or intelligence.

• As students delve into scholarly contributions, they realize that good arguments stem from everyday thinking habits.

  • Knowledge is important, but effective arguments rely on fundamental rhetorical patterns.

Types of Responses

Primary Modes of Response

• The chapter focuses on three primary ways to respond:

  • Agreeing

  • Disagreeing

  • Combination of both

• Responding clearly helps readers understand the writer's stance, avoiding frustration.

  • Readers benefit from knowing if the writer agrees, disagrees, or presents a hybrid stance.

Concerns About Simplification

• Writers may worry that being confined to these three categories oversimplifies their perspectives.

• However, complexity and nuance are more recognizable when readers understand the basic stance of the argument.

• The three types of responses allow for creative expressions of complex thoughts.

  • Starting with a clear statement of agreement or disagreement provides clarity for readers.

Disagreeing

Challenges of Disagreement

• Disagreement seems simple but presents hidden challenges.

  • Scapegoating: Attributing inaccurate views to opponents, leading to a lack of credibility.

  • It’s more productive to understand opposing views fully before expressing disagreement.

• Another challenge is "is too" / "is not" thinking.

  • Merely contradicting does not advance the conversation.

  • Persuasive reasons must be provided to substantiate disagreement.

Constructive Disagreement

• Effective disagreement requires clear reasoning, such as:

  • The argument overlooks relevant factors.

  • It’s based on flawed evidence or logic.

• Examples of strong disagreement:

  • Michael Littman's view on artificial intelligence as pure science fiction.

  • Anna Clark's critique of community college naming trends as a bad move.

Templates for Disagreeing

• Use templates to structure disagreement with reasons, e.g.:

  • "X is mistaken because she overlooks recent fossil discoveries in the South."

  • "X's claim that … rests on the questionable assumption that …"

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