Chapter 7 They Say I Say Summary

Chapter 7: "They Say / I Say" - Summarized and Applied

Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein's "They Say / I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing" is a crucial guide for anyone navigating the complexities of academic argumentation. Chapter 7, titled "Summarizing," tackles a seemingly simple task with surprising depth, revealing how effective summarizing is far more than just retelling the main points. This chapter underscores the importance of contextualizing summaries within a larger argument and using them strategically to support your own claims. We'll delve into the key takeaways of this chapter, illustrating with examples and demonstrating how to apply its principles to improve your own writing.

The Problem with "Summary-Only" Writing

Graff and Birkenstein highlight a common pitfall: simply summarizing a source without indicating its relevance to your own argument. This approach leaves readers wondering, "So what?" Why did you include this summary? What's your point? A strong summary, they argue, always serves a larger purpose – it's a stepping stone to making your own claim.

The Importance of a "They Say" Statement

Before diving into a summary, you need to establish what "they say." This establishes the context and sets the stage for your own perspective. It could be a single sentence, or a short paragraph, clearly stating the main point of the source you are summarizing. This is crucial for several reasons:

• Provides Context: It immediately orients the reader to the source and its argument.
• Avoids Misinterpretation: It clarifies the point you are responding to, preventing readers from misinterpreting your summary or its relationship to your own argument.
• Creates a Roadmap: It signals the direction of your argument and how your summary fits into it.

Example: Instead of directly jumping into a summary of a scientific paper on climate change, you could begin with: "Many scientists argue that climate change is primarily caused by human activity, citing rising greenhouse gas emissions as compelling evidence."

Types of Summaries and Their Uses

Chapter 7 differentiates between different types of summaries, each tailored to specific rhetorical purposes:

1. The "They Say" Summary: The Foundation

This is the basic summary, concisely restating the main point of a source, setting the stage for your response. It emphasizes the source's main argument, stripping away unnecessary details.

2. The "So What?" Summary: Adding Significance

This summary takes the "They Say" summary a step further. It doesn't just restate the source; it explains why the source is important or relevant to your argument. You should always answer the "So what?" question, connecting the summary directly to your thesis.

Example: Following the climate change example, a "So What?" summary could be: "Many scientists argue that climate change is primarily caused by human activity, citing rising greenhouse gas emissions as compelling evidence. This assertion is crucial for understanding the urgency of implementing climate-mitigation policies."

3. The "Thematic Summary": Focusing on Key Themes

This type of summary doesn't focus on every aspect of the source; instead, it highlights specific themes or ideas relevant to your argument. It selectively chooses what's important based on your own thesis.

Example: Instead of summarizing an entire book on social psychology, a thematic summary might focus on the author's discussion of conformity, ignoring other aspects of the book.

4. The "Point-by-Point Summary": Comparative Analysis

This method summarizes a source by examining its points one by one, often used when comparing and contrasting multiple sources or perspectives.

Example: Comparing two differing historical interpretations of a single event, you might summarize each interpretation point by point, highlighting their agreements and disagreements.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Summarizing

Graff and Birkenstein also point out common mistakes to avoid:

• Misrepresenting the source: Be sure to accurately reflect the source's argument. Don't distort or oversimplify to fit your own narrative.
• Ignoring the source's nuance: Summarize the source's complexity. Don't reduce a nuanced argument to a simple, one-dimensional statement.
• Writing a "List" summary: Avoid simply listing the points made in the source without explaining how those points relate to one another or to your own argument.
• Focusing too much on your own viewpoint: Remember the summary is about their say before you express your "I say."

Applying Chapter 7: Practical Strategies

How can you put these principles into practice? Here are some concrete strategies:

1. Start with the "They Say": Always begin by clearly stating the source's main point before summarizing it. This sets the context and avoids confusion.
2. Answer the "So What?": Connect the summary directly to your own argument. Explain why the source matters and how it contributes to your thesis.
3. Choose the Right Type of Summary: Select the summary type best suited to your purpose—thematic, point-by-point, or a combination.
4. Practice, Practice, Practice: Summarizing effectively takes practice. Work on summarizing different sources, paying close attention to the nuances of the text and your own argumentative purpose.
5. Get Feedback: Ask a peer to read your summaries and provide feedback on their clarity and effectiveness. Do they understand the source's argument? Does your summary effectively serve your argument?

Beyond Summarizing: Integration into the Larger Argument

Chapter 7 doesn't just focus on the mechanics of summarizing; it underscores the importance of integrating summaries seamlessly into your overall argument. Effective summaries are not stand-alone entities; they work in conjunction with other rhetorical moves to build a cohesive and persuasive argument.

Advanced Summarizing Techniques

Beyond the basic types, skilled writers use more sophisticated techniques:

• Using metadiscourse markers: Words and phrases like "According to X," "In contrast to Y," or "As Z points out," help to clearly signal the source and your relationship to it.
• Using direct quotations selectively: Direct quotations are valuable when a source's phrasing is especially impactful or memorable. But, avoid overusing them; often, your own concise summary is more effective.
• Synthesizing multiple sources: Summarize several sources concurrently, highlighting similarities and differences to build a more comprehensive picture.

Conclusion: The Power of Contextualized Summaries

Mastering the art of summarizing, as explained in Chapter 7 of "They Say / I Say," is pivotal for effective academic writing. It's not just about retelling what others have said; it's about skillfully integrating those ideas into your own argument, creating a coherent and persuasive narrative that convinces the reader of your perspective. By understanding and applying the principles discussed here, you can significantly improve the clarity, impact, and overall persuasiveness of your writing. Remember to always contextualize your summaries within your larger argument, answering the crucial question, "So what?" and demonstrating the clear relevance of your summaries to your overall thesis. This approach will transform your writing from a simple recitation of facts to a powerful and persuasive argument.