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?o Magazine articles o Newspaper articles o Emails and memos o Instruction 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: o Precisely-worded o Focused around a central idea o Logically 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 EssayCharacteristics of the expository essay

include:o A defined and narrowed thesis in the

introduction o Evidence, examples, statistics, or facts in

each paragraph in the body of the paper to support the thesis

o Information presented fairly and in a non-biased manner, possibly showing both sides of the topic

o The 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…o is a statement of your topic and a comment about it.o conveys general information about your topic—the

main idea of your essay.o is part of the introduction of your essay, usually

positioned at or near the end of the introduction. o is NOT a “topic” or a “question” but is a

complete, single sentence. o does NOT announce by saying: I am going to tell you

about….or My essay will explaino leads 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 statementParagraph 2 = a discussion about how hybrid cars are good for because they get increased mileageParagraph 3 = a discussion about how hybrid cars are good for because they produce fewer harmful emissions into the atmosphereParagraph 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 PointHere 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…o first and foremost, be creative and have fun!!o write a script of a conversation or dialogue

between two people describing a social problemo this will be written like a movie or TV script or a

playo look at what caused the social problemo look 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 pagepovertyhungerintoleranceignorancebad drivingunfairnessnot recyclinggossipingabuse of children and the elderlyilliteracy…..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 SeminarBe 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.