When you write about a topic or claim, you will need to use supporting evidence/details.
To demonstrate that you are knowledgeable about your topic or claim, you will need to use analysis.
Say Mean Matter is a strategy to help you create an analysis of the evidence.
Example:
How to Use Say Mean Matter to Write a Paragraph:
Use the following outline for a body paragraph.
Step 1: Topic sentence
Step 2: Signal phrase/context + “say”
Step 3: “Mean”
**If you want to add additional evidence, simply repeat steps 2 and 3 before writing step 4**
Step 4: “Matter”
Sample Paragraph
In the essay “Why Gladwell’s 10,000-hour Rule is Wrong,” David Bradley argues that excellence is only attainable through a long-term commitment to practicing a skill. David Bradley describes why some people are more successful than others. Some argue that genes are responsible for excellence; others argue it is an individual’s environment that leads to success. He writes, “Perhaps the two work together, one boosting the other, so that those remarkable genes give rise to remarkable talent only if those skills are suitably nurtured” (Bradley 1). Here, Bradley suggests that inherited skills only lead to success if they are practiced regularly. Bradley’s argument is important because it implies that being excellent at anything requires dedication and effort. His conclusion suggests that only those individuals who are willing to dedicate themselves to hours of practice will become truly great.
Step 1: Topic sentence
- Summarize the mean and matter in one sentence. This should be the main idea that you are trying to prove in your paragraph.
- Ex. In the essay “Why Gladwell’s 10,000-hour Rule is Wrong,” David Bradley argues that excellence is only attainable through a long-term commitment to practicing a skill.
Step 2: Signal phrase/context + “say”
- Start with a signal phrase. This is usually the word he/she followed by a present tense verb like says, states, suggests, writes, explains, shows, etc. Then, write your quote from the say column.
- You might need a sentence of context before the quote. This can usually be found in your mean column.
- Ex. He writes, “Perhaps the two work together, one boosting the other, so that those remarkable genes give rise to remarkable talent only if those skills are suitably nurtured” (Bradley 1).
Step 3: “Mean”
- Write this directly from the mean column. Be sure that it thoroughly explains what the quote means, referring to specific ways that meaning is created. You may quote specific words or phrases as well.
**If you want to add additional evidence, simply repeat steps 2 and 3 before writing step 4**
Step 4: “Matter”
- Write this directly from the matter column. Be sure you have returned to the ideas in your topic sentence.
Sample Paragraph
In the essay “Why Gladwell’s 10,000-hour Rule is Wrong,” David Bradley argues that excellence is only attainable through a long-term commitment to practicing a skill. David Bradley describes why some people are more successful than others. Some argue that genes are responsible for excellence; others argue it is an individual’s environment that leads to success. He writes, “Perhaps the two work together, one boosting the other, so that those remarkable genes give rise to remarkable talent only if those skills are suitably nurtured” (Bradley 1). Here, Bradley suggests that inherited skills only lead to success if they are practiced regularly. Bradley’s argument is important because it implies that being excellent at anything requires dedication and effort. His conclusion suggests that only those individuals who are willing to dedicate themselves to hours of practice will become truly great.