They Say, I Say

I found this particular reading interesting, but not particularly helpful for my paper. This is not because I don't think it will help others write their arguments, more it is because I have already outlined my argument in the fashion described in the reading. "They Say, I Say" is an invaluable resource for those who have trouble writing or have never written an argument or persuasive speech. The reading starts out with the importance of letting readers and/or listeners know what you are arguing for or against. Personally, that seems like a silly thing to have to point out, but reading through, I realized that I have seen papers that are arguing something... but I'm not sure just what. After explaining the importance of showing the argument, the reading gives some base templates, showing how to explain the "they say" portion of your paper.
In the "I say" portion of this reading, there are also templates that show how to explain your stand on whatever you are arguing, and they also explain the importance of telling your audience why you are taking this stand, instead of simply saying "this is my stand." Again, I found myself thinking, "well why wouldn't you explain? That only seems the logical progression of things." Alas, I have also found myself the audience of those that feel that all the explanation they need lies in the simple statement of whether or not they agree.
As I said, I found this a little redundant for myself, but I can also see where it would be helpful for some of my classmates, and I hope that I might even take something away, even if it is just a reminder to explain myself a little more when making an argument.