They Say/ I Say Exercises

 Exercise 1:

In the introduction of the book, "They Say/I Say," the authors Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein offer templates for students looking to learn how to write better argumentative essays and just how to write better in general. The authors feel that the templates help writers step by step, allowing them to create a compelling argument. The authors state, "writers commonly use a version of it...to form the overarching blueprint that structures what they write over the entire length of their text" (Graff, Birkenstein, 10). This blueprint allows for authors to have a base of a strong argument so they can add on to it and make it a compelling and interesting read. However, many students have expressed concerns about the templates. Such as, they fear it will take away the originality and creativity in their writing. The authors feel that the concerns brought to them by students that their writing will be unoriginal, not creative, or boring need not be worried about. They say that these templates, "will actually help your writing become more original and creative, not less...even the most creative forms of expression depend on established patterns and structures" (Graff, Birkenstein, 14). In sum, their view is that templates are helpful to all writers in order to create a compelling argument.

I agree with the authors. In my view, the types of templates the authors recommend are very helpful to all writers so that they can include all the steps to make a compelling argument that also sounds professional and creative. For example, the 'universal template' is set up so that you know exactly what details to put in during what points of the argument. For example, it tells you when to write about what "They Say," "On the other hand, some argue that" (Graff, Birkenstein, 11). Also, the template is a great way to organize all of your creative ideas. Without the guide a template gives you, you wouldn't know when to write about which idea, claim, or even rebuttal. This guide allows all your creative thoughts to be used in a way that's easy to comprehend and interesting to read. Some people may argue that the template doesn't allow them to organize their creative thoughts, but rather it forces them to contain them. The template can be altered however you see fit in order to portray your message to the audience. It is not set in stone. Rather, it is there for you to make sure you get all your information across. It doesn't matter in which way you do this. Overall, I agree that the templates are great for helping writers to make a creative, compelling argument with proper formatting. 

Exercise 2:

When you hear the word "policeman" what do you think of? Most people would probably think of the police as role models for crime that can do no wrong. They say that the police are perfect do gooders that only help others and never make any mistakes, but they are still harassed for their career choice. However, the police system is not perfect. On the contrary, the police have way too much power, not nearly a long enough training period, and way too little issued consequences. The truth is, the police system in America needs some serious reforms such as, a longer training period, cuts in funding to go to homeless shelters mental health clinics, etc., and they need to be held accountable for the same crimes as civilians; i.e. if they kill someone not in self defense, they should be arrested for murder. In this essay, then, looking into the point of view of minorities affected by police brutality will show that the police system needs to be reformed for a more equal America.