 “W riting […] 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.”

 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.

 “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 __________.

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.

 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

 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!

 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?

 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 ______.

 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, ______________.

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