Response to Exercise #2

In the Introduction of "They Say, I Say," the authors of this book provide ready models to help students clearly articulate their views during the writing process. Such templates help flesh out the words of students who may be floundering in regard of what to say. Although the templates may seem simplistic to some, such items are of great use to a student struggling to find a way to communicate through words. What comes so easily to some is not always the case for others. While I appreciate the care and commitment demonstrated in developing these templates, I chose not to use them for the sole purpose that my own writing is often free form first with thought and organization coming after the fact.

Students who never lack for an opinion may at times be uncertain of how to put those very strong, very well thought out opinions into a written form. It is not a situation that need continue to strike fear into the heart of any student. The templates provided by the authors provide an very understandable methodolgy that will enable students to piece together thoughts and arguments. These same models provide for an opportunity to polish organizational skills as well. The ability to strengthen an argument by fleshing out examples is also detailed by the authors.

I found the rationale offered by the authors Graff and Birkenstein to be highly sensible. If the process of writing can be broken down into a simple template that anyone can understand, why not review and use this model until the student becomes a more proficient writer? Those of us who have never had trouble with the written word may not well understand the feeling of a student who sits at a desk for hours unable to compose a single word until well into the night when sheer exhaustion leads said student to pound out something not always recognizable as academic writing.

The tone of the book invites the reader to explore further. It may also be the intent of our instructor to use such an easy going book with first year students to lessen any hesitation they may be feeling. I believe the authors did a fine job of taking into account any jitters want to be writers possess and hand out a method that will enable any student to start down the path to producing a fine academic product. Simplistic it may be...but every writer has to start somewhere.