They Say/ I say Reflection

This excerpt summarizes exactly what I have trouble doing. I find it very troublesome to somehow incoorporate the opposing side into my argument. When I have a strong opinon about a such topic, I stick with it not allowing any room for discussion. One section of this piece "Put yourself in their Shoes" explains how a writer should suspend his/her own beliefs otherwise the summary becomes totally bias, resulting in distortion towards your entire piece. In my opinion, I think this is a great lesson to help young writers learn. If students learned how to write along with the argument, still adding their position, it would be beneficial for the future. I also think that everyone has the ability to be persuaded. In the section "Know Where You Are Going" says stating the opposing side is fair and allows you to exert an influence, this can help your opinion stand out even more. I definitely need to learn more about this topic.

They Say I Say Reflection

I totally agree with the fact that some people write summeries to play it safe, so that they arnt judged by what they think, or what their opinion is. But in order to make your summery interesting, you need to be able to crasp the readers attention. The best way to do this is by adding a hint of your own opinion. it gives the writing alittle zest. But I also believe that in order for people to read what you are writing, they need to be able to relate to it. That is why you need to show where other views might be coming. The most boring summery a writer can ever create is on that becomes a list, just rattling off what happned. The best way to write a good summery is to represent whatever is being summerized with dignity, but also putting your onwn creativity in it.

"They Say / I Say" response

I find it really surprising; Graff and Birkenstein believe that your voice should be recognizable in a summary is extremely important. I have trouble maintaining my voice in papers already, so I wholeheartedly agree within the first paragraph when they say that your voice can be lost in summarizations. I think this will be really hard to fix since what you're summarizing isn't what you wrote but somebody else's work, and they deserve all the credit in a summary. However, voicing is a step in becoming a better writer. They also urge us to keep a balance between you and the author while staying focused, which is difficult but very true. Brittany's idea of a "happy medium" is exactly what they're suggesting in their essay. Although it is super hard to summarize an article that expresses differing opinions from what you believe, they are still right. You have to wait until a seperate part of the paper where you express your beliefs. Or you could just write one of those satirical essays they are talking about.... either works.

What I find most interesting though is their comment on "list summaries". Those 'they say' and 'i say' introductions in summaries are complete no-no's. While reading that, I started to wonder if this was a problem in my writing. I never even thought about that being a problem until now, and I know that a clear and interesting voice in my papers is missing sometimes. So, after reading this, I'm going to proof-read my short assignment that's due on Friday to see if I ever wrote one of these poor introductions in my summary. If I did, I will be really embarrassed. However, it will only make me a better writer. I suggest, not 'say', that you should do the same for your papers. Use the language and verbs suggested at the end of the essay.

By the way... did anyone catch the "they say" I wrote in my first paragraph? Wow...