Chapter: Writing as Entering a Conversation — The Power of "They Say / I Say"

Introduction

Imagine you’re at a lively party. People are gathered in small groups, talking about everything from movies to politics to sports. You walk up to one group and want to join in. But before you start talking about your own thoughts, you listen carefully to what others are saying. You try to understand their points, their disagreements, and what they believe. Only then do you share your own ideas — responding to what you’ve just heard.

Academic writing works in much the same way. Good writers don’t just write their ideas in isolation — they enter a conversation with others who have already said something about the topic. This idea is at the heart of what we call the “They Say / I Say” approach to writing.

What Does "They Say / I Say" Mean?

  • “They Say” refers to the ideas, opinions, or arguments that others have made before you. These might be experts, authors, public figures, or even people you know personally.

  • “I Say” refers to your own response — your argument, your interpretation, your analysis — that either agrees, disagrees, complicates, or builds on what “they say.”

Together, the “They Say / I Say” structure helps you position your writing within a larger conversation, making your ideas clearer, stronger, and more persuasive.

Why Start With “They Say”?

Starting with what others have said:

  • Gives your writing context. Your readers understand the background and know what you’re responding to.

  • Shows you understand the topic. It demonstrates you’re aware of different views and not writing in a vacuum.

  • Prepares readers for your response. It builds a foundation for your own ideas to stand on.

  • Makes your argument more persuasive. Engaging with opposing or alternative views strengthens your credibility.

Example:

  • Without “They Say”:
    “The characters in this novel are very complex.”
    (Readers might ask, “So what? Why is that important?”)

  • With “They Say”:
    “Some critics argue that the characters in this novel are simply stereotypes. However, the characters are actually quite complex, showing contradictions and growth throughout the story.”
    (Now the claim has clear context and purpose.)

How to Identify “They Say” in Texts

Before you can respond to what others say, you need to identify what they are saying. Look for:

  • Explicit statements of opinions or arguments.

  • Implied or unstated assumptions behind a claim.

  • Common beliefs or “conventional wisdom.”

  • Debates or controversies within the topic.

Activity: Spot the “They Say”

Read a short editorial or essay. Highlight sentences that summarize or introduce what others have said. These are your “They Say” statements.

How to Incorporate “They Say” in Your Writing

1. Summarize Opposing or Alternative Views Clearly

Use clear, neutral language to state others’ ideas fairly. For example:

  • Many people believe that…

  • Some argue that…

  • It is commonly thought that…

  • Critics claim that…

Avoid caricaturing or oversimplifying these views — your goal is to show understanding, not mockery.

2. Respond with Your “I Say”

After you summarize “They Say,” present your own position, using phrases like:

  • However, I argue that…

  • I agree that…, but…

  • My view is that…

  • While this may be true, I maintain that…

Example Paragraph Using “They Say / I Say”:

Many people believe that social media harms teenagers by encouraging shallow friendships and distraction. However, I argue that social media also provides important opportunities for teens to connect, express themselves, and build supportive communities — benefits often overlooked in popular debates.

The “As-Opposed-to-What?” Question

A useful tool when developing your argument is to ask: “As opposed to what?” This helps you make clear what your claim contrasts with, strengthening your reasoning.

  • Instead of saying: “Schools should require more physical education.”

  • Try: “Schools should require more physical education, as opposed to focusing solely on academics, because regular exercise improves students’ concentration and mental health.”

This contrast comes from framing your claim as a response to an existing view — another way of practicing “They Say / I Say.”

Why Does This Matter for AP English Language and Composition?

The AP Lang exam asks you to:

  • Analyze how authors engage with others’ arguments and ideas.

  • Write clear, coherent, and well-supported arguments.

  • Respond thoughtfully to multiple perspectives.

Mastering the “They Say / I Say” approach helps you meet these goals by:

  • Making your argument part of a conversation, not an isolated claim.

  • Helping you anticipate and address counterarguments.

  • Organizing your writing logically and persuasively.

  • Demonstrating rhetorical awareness valued by AP readers.

Key Takeaways

  • Academic writing is a conversation — your ideas respond to what others have said.

  • Start your writing by summarizing the views you are responding to (“They Say”).

  • Follow with your own position (“I Say”), making clear how you agree, disagree, or add nuance.

  • Use contrast to clarify your argument: ask yourself, “As opposed to what?”

  • This approach strengthens your writing’s clarity, purpose, and persuasiveness.

  • Mastering “They Say / I Say” prepares you for success on AP Lang essays and beyond.

If you practice framing your writing as a conversation with others, you’ll find that your arguments become clearer, more compelling, and better connected to the world of ideas. Writing stops being a lonely task and becomes an active engagement with others — just like a great conversation.

Composition Book Activity

In your composition book, draw the graphic organizer as shown below and fill in each section completely.