Unit 5 Seminar Turning a Topic into a Thesis

What is expository writing? Expository refers to writing that explains and clarifies an idea. Can you think of some examples of expository writing in our every-day lives?

What is expository writing? Expository refers to writing that explains and clarifies an idea. Can you think of some examples of expository writing in our every-day lives? oMagazine articles oNewspaper articles o s and memos oInstruction manuals

Academic assignments and essays often fall under the category of expository writing. Expository essays build on both critical thinking and research. Expository writing is: oPrecisely-worded oFocused around a central idea oLogically sound (uses adequate support) NOTE: Expository writing is further explained in Chapter 21, which you will be reading in Unit 6. What is expository writing?

The Expository Essay Characteristics of the expository essay include: oA defined and narrowed thesis in the introduction oEvidence, examples, statistics, or facts in each paragraph in the body of the paper to support the thesis oInformation presented fairly and in a non-biased manner, possibly showing both sides of the topic oThe use of third-person rather than first person I or me or second person you.

What is a Thesis Statement? The thesis statement is NOT a four-letter word! The thesis statement… ois a statement of your topic and a comment about it. oconveys general information about your topic—the main idea of your essay. ois part of the introduction of your essay, usually positioned at or near the end of the introduction. ois NOT a “topic” or a “question” but is a complete, single sentence. odoes NOT announce by saying: I am going to tell you about….or My essay will explain oleads your readers into your essay indicating what is to follow

How do we Write the Thesis Statement? How do you narrow a subject to a topic? How do you create a good thesis statement? Asking a research question. How do you create a three point thesis statement? Let’s look at a couple of examples and then we will practice writing our own thesis statements.

Consider: Hybrid cars are good for people and the environment because they get increased mileage, produce fewer harmful emissions into the atmosphere, and cost their owners less to maintain and operate. What are the main elements of this thesis statement?

The Five-Paragraph Essay: So this essay would then have five paragraphs: Paragraph 1 = An introduction that includes the thesis statement Paragraph 2 = a discussion about how hybrid cars are good for because they get increased mileage Paragraph 3 = a discussion about how hybrid cars are good for because they produce fewer harmful emissions into the atmosphere Paragraph 4 = a discussion about how hybrid cars are good for because they cost their owners less to maintain and operate. Paragraph 5 = a conclusion to neatly tie up the essay

Consider: Young athletes (6 -12 year olds) are becoming discouraged and dropping out of organized sports, not because of their own physical limitations or lack of knowledge, but because of the violent parental conduct, verbal and physical abuse of the coaches, and the lack of civility and sportsmanship. What are the main elements of this thesis statement? How might we write a topic sentence for the first paragraph be

Consider: Young athletes (6 -12 year olds) are becoming discouraged and dropping out of organized sports, not because of their own physical limitations or lack of knowledge, but because of the violent parental conduct, verbal and physical abuse of the coaches, and the lack of civility and sportsmanship. Children’s sports are being weakened by the rude and even violent conduct of parents toward officials and other adults. Paragraph 1 = Introduction AND the Thesis Statement: Paragraph 2 = First Main Point Here is a possible Topic Sentence for Paragraph 2

Unit 6 Project Review Even though we are only in Unit 5, have thought about your Unit 6 Project yet? In this project, you will… ofirst and foremost, be creative and have fun!! owrite a script of a conversation or dialogue between two people describing a social problem othis will be written like a movie or TV script or a play olook at what caused the social problem olook at what a solution to the problem might be

Unit 6 Project Review Create a thesis that justifies why your solution or “cure” is important. This is a kind of cause and effect writing called problem- solution writing. You identify the problem and suggest the cure (solution). The script should be 500 words or greater.

Unit 6 Project Review Let’s brainstorm some topics you might like to discuss in your dialogue… For tonight’s practice, let’s choose ONE of these topics and develop a three-point thesis statement.

Unit 6 Project Review What should you cover in your “script”? How can we develop a three-point thesis for your topic? What are at least three causes of this problem? How does this problem affect your daily life or the life of others? Mention at least three effects.

Unit 6 Project Review Examples from the Unit 6 Project page poverty hunger intolerance ignorance bad driving unfairness not recycling gossiping abuse of children and the elderly illiteracy …..and on and on and on Continue brainstorming for ideas until you have an idea that feels right to you - one with which YOU connect and that you have confidence exploring further. Continue brainstorming for ideas until you have an idea that feels right to you - one with which YOU connect and that you have confidence exploring further.

This Concludes Tonight’s Seminar Be sure and post to your Unit 5 Discussion Liz Murray is an “amazing” person, and if you have the time to review the movie about her, “Homeless to Harvard,” please do so. Be thinking about and brainstorming for your Unit 6 Project.