Writing a They Say / I Say Intro Puente English Fall 2007

Step 1: “They Say” Thesis Build your intro around your “They Say” thesis. That thesis should answer the question “How does Rodriguez think that ______ shapes the lives of young Latinos?” The simplest example of a “They say” thesis begins with the “According to…” structure, but you can explore fancier options if you wish.

“They Say” Thesis Examples Simple: According to Rodriguez, racism in our school system prevents young Latinos from achieving their intellectual goals. Fancy: Although Rodriguez has some good moments in school, he ultimately argues that racism in our school system prevents young Latinos from achieving their goals.

Check your “They Say” Thesis Does it answer the question, “how does Rodriguez believe ______ shapes the lives of young Latinos? Have you stated Rodriguez’s position as concisely and clearly as possible (remember--you explain his position in detail in the paper; here, you simply need to clearly state it. Which approach do you take--simple or fancy? One you have checked and revised your “they say” thesis, continue with this PowerPoint.

Step 2: Add the “I Say” Thesis The “I say” thesis states your opinion on the issue you have presented in your “they say” thesis. You can agree, disagree, or partially agree and disagree. You can use a simple “I agree…” type structure, a “bit fancier” compound sentence structure or a “super fancy” subordinate clause structure.

“I Say” Examples Simple: I agree with Rodriguez that racism in schools negatively affects Latinos. A Bit Fancier: I agree with Rodriguez that racism in schools negatively affects Latinos, but I also think that individuals can overcome this racism if they choose a different path. Super Fancy: While Rodriguez sees racism as an insurmountable obstacles, I believe that racism is declining in our schools and should not prevent any of us from succeeding.

Check Your “I Say Thesis” Before continuing with this PowerPoint, check your “I say” thesis. Does it clearly and concisely state your position in terms of whether you agree, disagree, or a little of both with Rodriguez. Which structure did you go with: simple, a bit fancier, or super-fancy? Once you have checked and revised your “I say” thesis, go on with this PowerPoint.

Step 3: Combine the Two Now combine your “they say” and “I say” thesis statements to form the anchor or end of your introductory paragraph. Once these two are set up, you will add some sentences that provide a context for these thesis statements.

Combo Examples Simple: According to Rodriguez, racism in our school system prevents young Latinos from achieving their intellectual goals. I agree with Rodriguez that racism in schools negatively affects Latinos. Fancy: Although Rodriguez has some good moments in school, he ultimately argues that racism in our school system prevents young Latinos from achieving their goals. I agree with Rodriguez that racism in schools negatively affects Latinos, but I also think that individuals can overcome this racism if they choose a different path.

Step 4: Add Context Before Your Thesis Statements Now that you have your thesis statements, use some context materials to set them up for the reader. Three ideas that could work (but so could others): 1) background, 2) interesting quote, 3) anecdote (from you or Rodriguez).

Background Intro Example Throughout Always Running, Luis Rodriguez describes his experiences in schools. From his first year in school--when he actually wet his pants because he did not know enough English to ask where the bathroom was--to his experience as a student leader in his final years of high school, Rodriguez comments on and analyzes the role of education in poor Latino communities. According to Rodriguez, racism in our school system prevents young Latinos from achieving their intellectual goals. I agree with Rodriguez that racism in schools negatively affects Latinos.

Quote Intro Example Albert Einstein once wrote that “It is a miracle that curiosity survives formal education.” In Always Running, Luis Rodriguez how racial stereotyping shapes formal education in poor, Latino communities and stifles the natural curiosity of Latino children. Although Rodriguez has some good moments in school, he ultimately argues that racism in our school system prevents young Latinos from achieving their goals. I agree with Rodriguez that racism in schools negatively affects Latinos, but I also think that individuals can overcome this racism if they choose a different path.

Anecdote Example Intro Growing up I found school a difficult experience. My teachers did not seem to understand or appreciate me, more often than not choosing to send me to the principal’s office rather than trying to figure out why I was such a “difficult child.” Luis Rodriguez also experienced a distance between himself and his teachers, but for Rodriguez race created that distance. According to Rodriguez, racism in our school system prevents young Latinos from achieving their intellectual goals. I agree with Rodriguez that racism in schools negatively affects Latinos.

Check Your Intro Now that you have reviewed these examples, go back and check your intro. Do you provide a context for your two thesis statements (They say and I say)? Which approach do you use: background, quote, anecdote, or something else?