Stating Your Ideas In Response To Others They Say; I Say by Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein

Templates for Effective Writing The main idea of the book is a template “they say/I say” writing response approach will produce effective argumentative writing. And it does! For example, Martin Luther King Jr. did this very well. In his “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” which is King’s eloquent responses to a public statement by eight clergy-men deploring the civil rights protests he was leading, he summarizes and then answers their criticisms with the following:

“You deplore the demonstrations taking place in Birmingham “You deplore the demonstrations taking place in Birmingham. But your statement I am sorry to say, fails to express a similar concern for the conditions that brought about the demonstrations,” King says. He goes on to agree with is critics that “It is unfortunate that demonstrations are taking place in Birmingham,” yet then adds, “it is even more unfortunate that the city’s white power structure left the Negro community with no alternative.”

Response Template In recent discussions of ______________, a controversial issue has been whether ______________. On the one hand, some argue that ______________. From this perspective, ______________. On the other hand, however, others argue that______________. In the words of ______________, one of this view’s main proponents, “______________.” According to this view, ______________. In sum, then, the issue is whether______________or ______________. My own view is that ______________. Though I concede that ______________, I still maintain that______________. For example, ______________. Although some might object that ______________, I would reply that ______________. The issue is important because ______________.

Model Activity Read the article http://www.newsday.com/opinion/oped/the-bethpage-philosophy-is-one-other-schools-should-follow-1.10554217 and then use the following “they say/I say” template to write a response. You’ll simply be filling in the blanks.

Model Activity In recent discussions of education today, a controversial issue has been whether to focus on sciences and math or philosophy or critical thinking skills. On the one hand, some argue that STEM programs help prepare students for good jobs. From this perspective, this is a good thing. On the other hand, however, others argue that STEM programs aren’t teaching students how to think for themselves. In the words of Principal Michael Spence, one of this view’s main proponents, critical thinking is “one of the primary goals of high school.” According to this view, school is about more than learning facts, it’s about learning how to think. In sum, then, the issue is whether schools should focus on STEM education or philosophical education.               

Example Cont. My own view is that schools should have a balance of STEM classes and philosophical classes. Though I concede that STEM careers are needed, I still maintain that young people need to learn how to critically think as well. For example, philosophical classes teach students how to think about political candidates. Although some might object that philosophy is a waste of time; I would reply that teaching students how to think will teach them how to be self-sufficient adults. The issue is important because it will decrease people’s dependency on government programs.

Your Activity Read the Washington Post’s “Why Trick or Treating is good for the soul” Use the Response Template to respond to the article.