Unit 5 Seminar Aubrey Freeman CM107 Turning a Topic into a Thesis

Before we begin… Invention Lab (Discussion Board) responses… Are a permanent record of your writing ability Should be checked carefully Not have any misspelled words Be grammatically correct No typos No incomplete sentences 2

What is expository writing? Expository refers to writing that explains and clarifies an idea. You come across examples of expository writing every day: oMagazine articles oNewspaper articles o s and memos oInstruction manuals

What is expository writing? Academic assignments and essays often fall under the category of expository writing. Hallmarks of expository writing: oFocused around a central idea oLogically sound (uses adequate support) oPrecisely-worded

What is a thesis? What is a thesis statement? The thesis statement is a statement of your topic and a comment about it.

What is a thesis? It answers “what’s the point?” What you want your readers to know. The main idea you are trying to get across. Your message. The point you want to make.

The thesis statement is Generally stated in a single sentence. Expresses a point of view, not a topic. Limits the topic. Indicates the kind of support to follow. Helps to organize the supporting material. Is precisely worded. It does NOT announce by saying: I am going to tell you about….or My essay will explain ….

And, now all together... What’s with our public schools? Identify the thesis of this article /Waiting-for-Superman-to-reform-education-He-s- already-here /Waiting-for-Superman-to-reform-education-He-s- already-here

THESIS WORKSHOP What is the thesis statement in the following introduction? When the time for a new computer has arrived and the consumer must agonize over the purchase of a new model often is heard that building computers is impractical and does not get a better machine. There are no advantages to building the computer; just buy a new one off the shelf. With a built computer there will be no warranty. Why waste the time? It is better to just buy one. These are a few common feelings on the subject of building a new computer. In reality it is quite the contrary which is why it is important to fundamentally understand exactly what the real advantages of building the computer are. Just a few things a consumer needs to think about when building a new computer are what is involved, how to build one and what goes into deciding the components and standards for building. 9

THESIS WORKSHOP What is the thesis statement in the following introduction? When the time for a new computer has arrived and the consumer must agonize over the purchase of a new model often is heard that building computers is impractical and does not get a better machine. There are no advantages to building the computer; just buy a new one off the shelf. With a built computer there will be no warranty. Why waste the time? It is better to just buy one. These are a few common feelings on the subject of building a new computer. In reality it is quite the contrary which is why it is important to fundamentally understand exactly what the real advantages of building the computer are. Just a few things a consumer needs to think about when building a new computer are what is involved, how to build one and what goes into deciding the components and standards for building. 10

THESIS WORKSHOP What is the thesis statement in the following introduction? There is one easy change that can be made in the Information Technology (IT) department that will help the budget, utilize the existing servers more efficiently, as well as provide a more reliable and more secure environment. Changing the operating systems on crucial servers from UNIX or Microsoft Windows to Linux will increase security and reliability all while cutting the IT department overhead considerably. For countless years Microsoft and UNIX have held the title for server solutions. Considering the importance of database servers it is quite easy to see why someone would want to stay with technology that they know. Microsoft and UNIX have been valid options in the past but in recent years they are become just too costly for businesses to maintain. 11

THESIS WORKSHOP What is the thesis statement in the following introduction? There is one easy change that can be made in the Information Technology (IT) department that will help the budget, utilize the existing servers more efficiently, as well as provide a more reliable and more secure environment. Changing the operating systems on crucial servers from UNIX or Microsoft Windows to Linux will increase security and reliability all while cutting the IT department overhead considerably. For countless years Microsoft and UNIX have held the title for server solutions. Considering the importance of database servers it is quite easy to see why someone would want to stay with technology that they know. Microsoft and UNIX have been valid options in the past but in recent years they are become just too costly for businesses to maintain. 12

Tasks for the week: Reading: Chapters 18 & 20 of the writing guide Million Dollar Murray-in DocSharing Liz Murray story Discussion Think about the distinct points of view in these two articles. Both Murrays face the same problem, but their perspectives are worlds apart. Consider this: how would Liz Murray define homelessness versus Murray Barr’s definition of homelessness? What can you identify that made their seemingly similar paths diverge? Support your ideas with references back to reading materials and video to back up your claims.

Tasks for the week: Note that the instructions do not ask you to respond to other students. You can if you wish.

Are there any questions?

Thanks for attending the seminar!