They Say / I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing with Readings, 5th Edition

ABOUT THE BOOK

They Say / I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing with Readings, 5th Edition is a widely recognized guide to academic writing, critical reading, and effective argumentation. Written by Gerald Graff, Cathy Birkenstein, and Russel Durst, the book introduces students to the essential techniques of participating in academic conversations. Its central approach encourages writers to understand what others are saying, respond thoughtfully, and present their own ideas in a clear, convincing, and well-supported manner.

The book explains how successful academic writing develops through the interaction of different viewpoints. It guides readers in summarizing other people's arguments, agreeing or disagreeing with sources, making meaningful distinctions, anticipating counterarguments, and explaining the significance of their claims. Its practical writing templates help students organize their thoughts, construct strong introductions, integrate quotations, provide supporting evidence, and develop effective conclusions.

The fifth edition expands the book's instructional approach with a dedicated chapter on research, additional exercises, updated examples, and 26 new readings organized around five important contemporary questions. These readings encourage students to explore different perspectives, evaluate arguments, examine evidence, and engage with challenging topics across multiple disciplines. The edition also includes material on environmental concerns and the importance of caring for the planet.

A distinctive feature of the book is its combination of accessible explanations, adaptable templates, and carefully selected readings. Rather than treating writing as a collection of rigid rules, it presents academic communication as an ongoing conversation in which writers respond to existing ideas and contribute meaningful perspectives. This approach helps students strengthen analytical thinking, source evaluation, research skills, and persuasive communication.

Ideal for college and university students, writing instructors, educators, and individuals seeking to improve their communication abilities, They Say / I Say with Readings is an essential resource for developing confident and effective academic writers. It provides practical tools for writing essays, research papers, analytical responses, and arguments that are clear, thoughtful, and supported by credible evidence.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Gerald Graff is an American literary critic, scholar, and distinguished educator who served as Professor Emeritus of English and Education at the University of Illinois at Chicago. He is widely recognized for his contributions to literary studies, academic writing, and higher education. His research and publications explore how academic arguments can be made more accessible and engaging for students. He served as President of the Modern Language Association of America in 2008 and is the author of several influential books, including Professing Literature, Beyond the Culture Wars, and Clueless in Academe.

Cathy Birkenstein is a lecturer in English at the University of Illinois at Chicago and an experienced educator specializing in academic writing, rhetoric, and composition. She has published essays on writing and communication in respected academic journals and publications, including College English, Academe, and College Composition and Communication. Her work focuses on helping students understand the structure of academic arguments and develop effective writing skills.

Russel K. Durst is a Professor of English at the University of Cincinnati, where he teaches courses in composition, writing pedagogy, research, English linguistics, and literature. His academic work focuses on college writing instruction, student learning, and the development of effective writing practices. He is also the author of Collision Course: Conflict, Negotiation, and Learning in College Composition and has served as President of the National Conference on Research in Language and Literacy.

Together, these authors bring extensive experience in literary studies, rhetoric, composition, and writing education to They Say / I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing with Readings. Their combined expertise helps students understand academic conversations, construct persuasive arguments, engage with different viewpoints, and communicate their ideas with clarity and confidence.