CHAPTER 1: “THEY SAY”
Graff and Birkenstein begin with some tips on how to have clear and constructive writing. They explain the importance of writing about what “they” say; this will help readers remember what issue you are addressing. They also suggest that you explain your own perspective on the issue and summarize it at the same time; this will provide the readers with some background and preview the purpose of your writing at the same time. They also provide you with some templates to help you introduce what others are saying. They include standard templates for conventional speakers, templates for introducing the views as your own, and templates that help you think analytically about your issue. Finally, they clarify the importance of using “return sentences” to help readers follow your response.
WHAT I LEARNED:
Before I read this chapter, I was misinformed as to the different templates for introducing issues. I thought there was only one specific way to explain or introduce an issue. I also learned that when you remind your audience on what “they say” you help them fully grasp and understand the topic you are responding to.
CHAPTER 2: “HER POINT IS”
Authors Graff and Birkenstein explain the art of summarizing. They first explain that a good summary calls for a balance between what the initial author was saying and the writer’s main ideas. Perfecting this balance can be difficult, but in the end, the writer just needs to respect the original author’s ideals, while shedding light on their own perspective. Writers who summarize some else’s work with no connection to their views will create “list summaries” that simply regurgitate the author’s ideas and are boring. Also, Graff and Birkenstein discuss summarizing satirically. When summarizing with a satirical mode, you expand on your perspective for a slapstick form of critique. Finally, they reveal templates and verbs for introducing summaries and quotations.
WHAT I LEARNED:
Before reading this chapter, I was not aware of the satirical mode of summarizing. I also learned about the difficulty of balancing the original author’s ideas and your own perspective on an issue.
CHAPTER 3: “AS HE HIMSELF PUTS IT”
Graff and Birkenstein disclose the importance of using quotes and how it functions as your evidence. They begin with explaining some mistakes writers have with quoting, which include quoting too little, or not at all. This chapter also includes two main tips on how to integrate quotes into your writing: by following every quotation with background information to help the reader understand, and by picking your quotes carefully and making sure they are relevant. Graff and Birkenstein also express the importance of avoiding “dangling” quotations. These are quotes with no background or explanation and they can leave the reader confused as to how they relate. They also offer templates for introducing and explaining quotations. Finally, they explain how you can over analyze a quote. If you are in doubt about the amount of explanation you should give, you should risk it and be overly clear-cut instead of leaving your readers confused.
WHAT I LEARNED:
Before I read this chapter, I struggled with quotations and how to integrate them into my writing. I also learned that there were different templates for introducing and explaining quotes.
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