They Say, I Say

Chapter 4: Yes/No/Okay, But

Three Ways to RespondThe three most common and recognizable ways to respond are to:

DisagreeAgree with a differenceAgree and disagree simultaneously

Doing so will allow your reader to place your response on a mental map of familiar choices.

Disagree–and explain why

It is not enough to simply claim that you disagree; you need to provide persuasive reasons as to why you disagree.Providing a “why” allows you to prove you have something to contribute to the conversation.

Ways to DisagreeThe “alternative” response: disagreeing with the claims and showing how they are wrong.The “twist it” response: agreeing with the evidence provided, but showing how it actually supports your own opinion.

Templates for Disagreeing

I disagree that (author’s idea) because (reasons).I disagree with (author) about (author’s idea) because (reasons).By saying (author’s idea), (author) overlooks/doesn’t consider (exception/issue with idea).

Agree-but with a differenceIt is not enough to simply agree with others; you need to also add something new to the conversation. It is important to open up some difference between your position and the one your agreeing with (don’t parrot the ideas of others).Some options:

You can apply what the author says to another context (time, location, etc.).You can discuss reasons, important evidence, or implications that the author didn’t bring up.

Templates for Agreeing with a Difference

I agree that (author’s idea) because (reasons/observations).(Author)’s idea that (X) is useful because (reasons).(Reasons/observations) suggest that (Author)’s idea about (idea) is accurate.

Agree and Disagree Simultaneously

Agreeing and disagreeing simultaneously allows you to provide a complex argument. It allows your reader to easily place your opinion on the mental map of positions, while still allowing a thoughtful response.

Ways to Agree and Disagree

The “stress” response: including agreement and disagreement, but stressing the importance of one over the other.The “mixed feelings” response: showing the “pros” and “cons” of a position without decisively being for or against.

Templates for Agreeing and Disagreeing

Although I agree with (Author) about (idea), I disagree that (idea).Although I disagree that (author’s idea), I agree that (idea).(Author)’s claim about (idea) seems (reasonable, logical, etc.). However, his/her assertion that (idea) is (problematic, etc.).Although (Author)’s claims about (idea) may be true (for certain people, in certain situations), they may not be true (for all people, in all cases or instances).