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  • Essay / Rhetorical Models for Argumentative Writing

    In the introduction to “They Say/I Say”: Moves That Matter in Academic Writing, Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein provide models, created from movements fundamental writing skills, which writers usually pick up along the way without realizing it. These movements are so common that the authors made models of them in their book. The authors consider the main model “They say/I say” to be the basis of any successful dialogue. Specifically, Graff and Birkenstein argue that the types of writing models they offer help less experienced writers, as well as the advice and guidance of accomplished writers, to structure and generate their own writing. As the authors themselves say: “One of our main premises is that these basic movements are so common that they can be represented in patterns that you can use immediately to structure and even generate your own writing. » In other words, the authors offer a simplified tool for creating academic-level writing. The authors noticed and emphasize that creating models not only helped students transform what they learned into well-written and well-organized texts, but it also attracted students' attention, unconsciously, on eloquent models which are fundamental but rarely perceived by students. Cathy Birkenstein has learned from her experience working with students that in general, students understand the concepts and processes of gathering information and entering into a written conversation, but they find it difficult to use this knowledge. Once students received the templates, they finally had the tools to use what they had learned and create beautifully written argumentative conversations. Furthermore, Graff and Birkenstein insist that the models represent the medium of paper without being able to present their own original vision. In other words, my opinion is that writers, who have doubts about patterns, are missing a great opportunity to improve their writing and develop their writing skills. Since the templates are created for writers as a sort of map or orientation point, they are not there to hinder writers or their freedom to express themselves. The templates in the book are there to help writing become more original and creative. The authors have not provided guidelines for what should be in the writing, this is simply a tool to help struggling writers make themselves understood. Of course, I understand that some writers may be hesitant and uncomfortable with temples. These writers are not required to use the templates, but it would be advisable to give them a chance. We might be surprised.