1. KU 121 Unit 4 Seminar Thesis and Outlining Agenda: Finding Feedback What is a thesis? Unit 4 Project How to create an outline My Writing Lab topic Thesis Workshop Q&A

2. Finding Feedback

5. To view comments on an attachment, click the white paper. You may need to right click and save a copy before viewing

6. Finding Feedback – Gradebook Tutorial

7. Trouble viewing feedback on projects? Try right-clicking the file and saving it to your computer. Open it from there. Call tech support if you continue to have trouble. Reviewing and applying feedback is a must for doing well in any class.

8. Discussion Reminders - Content Please respond to each questions in at least 1–2 well thought out paragraphs of 5–7 sentences each. For each question, you must respond to a minimum of two peers in at least 5-7 sentences each. For additional information on discussion requirements, please see the discussion rubric in the syllabus.

9. Discussion Reminder - Quality Because professional presentation of writing is critical to your success, please compose all discussion posts and responses to peers in MS Word, even if you are asked to cut/copy and paste rather than attach. At a minimum, you must run grammar and spelling check before submitting all work. You should also proof carefully for typos and other noticeable mistakes. You also must employ a formal, professional writing style. Do not use chat lingo. For example, do not use "i" for "I.” Do capitalize the first letter of each sentence, and do not use abbreviations like IMHO, TY, etc. Note: As part of standard netiquette, we discourage posting of any overly personally identifiable information such as your phone number and home address. Keep in mind the length requirements – create a conversation by asking questions and make specific comments about your peer’s post.

10. What is a thesis? The thesis sentence functions as a "signpost" to signal to the reader the main ideas to come later in the essay. A single sentence within an essay. It is the last sentence of the introduction paragraph. Your first step is to identify your thesis by reflecting on the following (3 main components): Limiting your subject Your attitude toward that subject Your plan of development for the body of the essay. It should offer a fresh, interesting, and original perspective on the topic. See page 478 in your textbook

11. Biography Thesis Must include: Your full name in third person Exact name of employer (can be made up) Three main ideas – personal background, education, professional experience Exact job title – can be made up This may look like a lot to put in one sentence, but keep it simple. The purpose of a thesis is to introduce and state your topic. It will all be elaborated upon in your body paragraphs

12. Sample Thesis for Biography Cooper Medical Center (exact name of employer) announces that Jane Smith (name in third person), a 2012 graduate of Kaplan University, will bring her exemplary personal background, distinguished educational record, and varied professional experiences (three main ideas) to her new position as director of nursing (exact job title). --This is just an example. There are many ways to accomplish this!

13. Sample Thesis for biography (Owning a business) Using her exemplary personal background, distinguished educational record, and varied professional experiences (three main ideas) Jane Smith (name in third person), a 2012 graduate of Kaplan University, will open Ways and Means (name of business), an upscale consignment shop (type of business), in Dunwoody Village (location).

14. Thesis Workshop Help your classmates with thesis statements 1. Provide the proposed thesis now. Feel free to give classmates feedback and suggestions. OR 2. Provide your dream employer’s full name (example Cooper Medical Center) and your dream job title (example Director of Nursing), and we will help you develop a thesis, if you a totally stuck. -- I will do my best to help everyone, but with time allowance it is not always possible. So, PLEASE help each other as well. Check the Webliography in the top nav bar for further information and instruction.

15. Unit 4 Discussion In your own words, define a thesis statement and how you create one. What three components are required in a thesis statement? What is the thesis for your essay? How does your thesis identify the main goal of your essay and hint at how you will achieve that goal in your writing?

16. Planning Could be the most important stage in the writing process Take the raw ideas from your pre-write and organize them into a rational shape Identify your thesis (it may take some revising) Support your thesis using sufficient material from your brainstorming activities (make sure they are specific, accurate, and represent the tone of your essay Organize your evidence based on importance Plan out a skeleton outline…focus on the organization and ideas Your thesis and outline is this week’s project Content and organization are the most important steps. Take your time and complete them thoroughly. The basic organization of your essay is predetermined but you must still group your ideas by creating an outline

17. Unit 4 Project – Outline How to create an outline (Use the template) Use the format below for your outline, fill it in with your own sentences, and underline your thesis sentence. Every section should have at least 1 (one) complete sentence about the content you will include in that paragraph: I. Introductory paragraph (general to specific ideas) – II. Thesis sentence: II. Body paragraph 1 III. Body paragraph 2 IV. Body paragraph 3 V. Concluding paragraph (specific to general ideas) The following sample outline is more extensive than yours would be. You would just need the Roman Numerals (I, II, III, IV, V) but the additional information shows you what type of information the paragraph would include.

18. Sample Outline – Introductory Paragraph I. What makes a good nurse? A. Richmond Hill Medical Center believes that a caring nursing staff is vital. B. RHMC strives to hire and train dedicated professionals. C. RHMC prides itself on its award winning staff. Thesis sentence: RHMC proudly announces that Martha Cooper, a 2010 graduate of Kaplan University, will bring her exemplary background, education, and personal experience to her new position as Director of Nursing.

19. Sample Outline – Body Paragraphs II. Martha Cooper’s personal background makes her a fine addition to the staff of RHMC. A. Martha is a native of Virginia. B. Martha has been married for fifteen years to her husband, Tom. C. They have three children, Gwen, Tasha, and Jack. D. The family enjoys hiking and rafting. Martha volunteers with Habitat for Humanity. III. Martha possesses a solid education that will make her an asset to RHMC. A. She earned an Associate’s Degree in Health Sciences. B. She became a registered nurse. C. She returned to school and earned her BSN D. Martha returned to school at Kaplan and earned her MSN. IV. Martha’s professional experience truly sets her apart. A. Martha began her nursing career almost twenty years ago when she served as a CNA. B. She joined the staff of Plymouth Medical Services as a home health care nurse. C. Martha joined RHMC in its Emergency Services Department twelve years ago. D. She has been a shift supervisor and charge nurse for over seven years.

20. Sample Outline: Concluding Paragraph V. Richmond Hill Medical Center is pleased to appoint Martha Cooper as its new Director of Nursing. A. Martha’s exemplary personal background, strong commitment to education, and varied professional experiences provide her with the skills she needs. B. She will help RHMC meet the challenges of continuing to fulfill its mission in a rapidly changing healthcare environment. C. Come discover Martha’s skills and attributes at a Community Open House on May 15, 2012, at 7:00 p.m. in the RHMC Professional Building. D. Join the community in congratulating Martha on her new position with the RHMC family

21. Unit 4 Project This week, you will post your essay outline so that your instructor can offer suggestions, tips, and comments. Because professional presentation of writing is critical to your success, please compose all projects in MS Word even if you are asked to cut/copy and paste rather than attach. At a minimum, you must run grammar and spelling check before submitting all work. You should also proof carefully for typos and other noticeable mistakes. You also must employ a formal, professional writing style. Do not use chat lingo. For example, do not use "i" for "I.” Do capitalize the first letter of each sentence, and do not use abbreviations like IMHO, TY, etc. All writing assignments must be double-spaced, use Arial or Times New Roman font, and employ a 12-point font size.

22. Submitting your Outline Put your outline in a Word document. Save it in a location on your computer with your name. For example: macgrottyoutline.doc. Then, upload a copy to the Unit 4 Project Dropbox: 1. Click on the Dropbox. 2. Click the link that says Submit an Assignment. 3. In the "Submit to Basket" menu, select Unit 4: Project. 4. In the "Comments" field, include the title of your paper. 5. Click the Add Attachments button. 6. Follow the steps listed to attach your Word document. 7. To view your graded work, come back to the Dropbox or go to the Gradebook after your instructor has evaluated it. Make sure that you save a copy of your submitted outline.

23. Remember the goal of the final project Imagine that you have completed your program at Kaplan University and have been offered your dream job! The company or organization you will be working for wants to issue a press release announcing that you are joining them and in what capacity. In order to do so, they need a minimum 500 Word biographical essay from you. Your biography should include an introduction that identifies who you are, where you live, the company or organization that has hired you, and your new job title. It will end with the thesis statement and follow the outline that you submitted in Unit 4.

24. Remember to use third person Because your biography will appear in the company newsletter and in local newspapers, it should be written in third person (no I, me, my, you, your, we or us), include concrete nouns, descriptive adjectives, active verbs, effective transitions between paragraphs, and should be relatively error free.  Correct example: Nicole grew up in New York City where she pursed her Bachelor of Arts Degree at Queens College.  Incorrect Example: I grew up in New York City. I went to school……………..

25. Unit 4 project

26. How to create an outline

27. ADJECTIVES & Adverbs These will be the topic of your Writing Lab activities Adjectives may describe which (the young man, the largest stove) whose (Sam’s application, my mug) what kind (the job interviewer, the traffic helicopter) how many (thirty books, no cookies) **use commas between multiple adjectives Adverbs describe, qualify, or limit verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs how (He announcements his intentions cautiously.) when (We will leave tomorrow.) where (we searched everywhere.) how often (I exercise daily) to what extent (The caller was very polite.) **many adverbs end in -ly

28. Chapter 17 Essay basics, development, and common problems I cannot stress enough how important it is for you to read and review these 11 pages (pg 473-484) There is vital information on essay structure, effective thesis statements, how to support your thesis with evidence how to write effective introductions and conclusions

29. Q&A Any questions………… Remember, you can also:  Email me at tcostello@kaplan.edu tcostello@kaplan.edu  Post a question to Course Questions  Schedule Office Hours (See the syllabus) Have a great week!