Three Key Arguments for Using Templates in Academic Writing
What are the three arguments Graff and Birkenstein make for the use of templates?
Based on the book "They Say/I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing" by Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein.
Three Arguments for Using Templates:
1. Templates help students engage in meaningful academic conversations.
2. Templates teach students the rhetorical moves of academic writing.
3. Templates provide a foundation for critical thinking.
Templates are valuable tools that can enhance academic writing skills. Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein, in their book "They Say/I Say," present several compelling arguments for the use of templates. Here are three key points they make:
1. Engaging in Meaningful Academic Conversations:
By utilizing templates, students are equipped with a structured approach to participate in ongoing academic debates and discussions. Templates offer a framework for expressing ideas and interacting with the thoughts of others. This empowers students to actively engage in academic discourse, fostering a deeper understanding of complex topics.
2. Learning Rhetorical Moves:
Templates serve as models that familiarize students with essential rhetorical moves commonly found in academic writing, such as summarizing, analyzing, and making counterarguments. By practicing these moves through templates, students can develop their own writing skills and enhance their proficiency in academic writing. Templates act as guides that enable students to craft articulate and well-structured arguments.
3. Building Critical Thinking Skills:
Templates act as scaffolding tools that support students in organizing and articulating their arguments effectively. By providing a foundation for structuring ideas, templates encourage students to think critically about their perspectives and the concepts presented in academic texts. This process enhances students' ability to evaluate information critically, leading to the development of strong analytical skills.
Overall, while the use of templates in academic writing may be subject to debate, Graff and Birkenstein argue that when employed appropriately, templates can significantly benefit students by enhancing their writing abilities and fostering critical thinking skills.