1. It’s All About The Structure
Skills 17.2 & 17.3
It’s All About The Structure

2. Converting Loose Structures into Problem-Thesis-Support Structures
What is a “loose structure”?
An essay or document that avoids the proper use of a thesis statement
Avoid “and then” writing, or simple chronological structure
Chronological, or narrative, writing is a common fall back style of writing
It’s safe, boring
Avoids using a thesis
See example on page 437

3. Converting cont. “And then” writing vs thesis support structure
In the example on page 437, the revised version follows a thesis supported structure
Implies a problem
Presents a view the writer wishes to change
Asserts contestable thesis
Paper can now become an argument with reasons and evidence to support the writer’s claim

4. “All about” Writing
“All about” writing refers to a writer who writes about everything on the given topic
It is organized by categories and follows a chronological structure
Rarely introduces a thesis
The categories discussed don’t support anything, they simply give information

5. Problem-Thesis Writing
The writer takes the topic apart and chooses one aspect on which to write about. See example on pages
Writer concentrates on this one aspect, creates a thesis, and provides evidence to support the thesis
Create a branching diagram:
Women Police Officers-Training-Physical Abilities-Physical Requirements-Safety
Choose a topic and create a branching diagram

6. Problem-Thesis Writing cont.
Questioning-use this technique to narrow your topic: why, how, who, what, when.
Why are women police officers less prevalent than male police officers?
How can we change this?
Who can we talk to?
What allowances, if any, should be made for women officers?
When will this fact change?

7. Engfish-Writing That Doesn’t Address A Real Problem
Engfish papers have a thesis, but it doesn’t respond to a real problem with stakes
Very predictable and safe
Follows traditional five-paragraph structure: intro, three body paragraphs, conclusion
Thesis looks like this: Food service is bad for three reasons.
The paper goes on to detail the three reasons

8. Pick Your Argument and Visualize Its Structure
Choose your topic in sentence form. A topic should never be simply “Italian Food”. A topic should be “Italian food differs throughout Italy, providing tourists with the opportunity to experience different tastes as they travel the country”.
Your essay would go on to describe different cuisines offered in different parts of Italy, thus supporting your thesis that Italian food differs depending where you are in the country

9. Making Lists and Outlines
Start making lists early on. Jot down what you want to include in your paper
Italian cities and towns
Local foods
Popular restaurants
Tourist reviews of particular foods/restaurants
After you come up with some ideas, produce a rough outline, placing your list in some type of order
See the exercise on page 440 on creating a working thesis