Making a tentative outline Thesis statement Outline

Qualities of a good thesis statement Answers the research question Indicates a position or belief Predicts, controls, obligates Is different from a topic sentence

Does exposure to videogame violence have negative effects on children?

Despite misconceptions popularized by media, exposure to videogame violence has no negative effects on the aggression of children.

Predicts, controls, obligates What does the TS predict? What does it control? ▫Sets the boundaries of the paper ▫Well-defined boundaries = clear, well-defined terms

Example Children should not be exposed to violent TV shows because of its negative effects. What terms need to be defined?

Revised TS Children = 1 to 12 years old Negative effects = learning, social skills Violence = Violent TV shows = REVISE: Children aged 1 to 12 should not be exposed to violent cartoons because of their negative effects on learning and social skills.

Take note The need to justify our choices (usually in the introduction of the ARP) Why should the focus be children aged 1 to 12 (UN definition = 0 to 18)? Sample justification: Research has shown that from 1 to 12 years of age, children’s brains are undergoing crucial developmental processes; anything “imprinted” on this stage will have lifelong effects (Commerce, 2011).

Different from a topic sentence In what way? Children exposed to television, research shows, have lower IQ points ten years later than those who were never exposed. TS: TV viewing has negative psychological effects on children.

Format of the TS in the RP outline 1.A statement of intent This paper seeks to study more closely the effects of television violence on the behavior of children. (This is the preferred format for the introduction.)

Format of the TS in the RP outline 2. A statement of position The computer is efficient in teaching English because it is effective, dependable, and entertaining.

Format of the TS in the RP outline 3. A pro-con statement Although the all-carbohydrate diet may help adults shed off unwanted fat, it may also promote malfunction of the heart and the nervous system, and diabetes.

The all-carbohydrate diet may help adults shed off unwanted fat, but it may also promote malfunction of the heart and the nervous system, and diabetes.

Format of the TS 3. A pro-con statement Although the all-carbohydrate diet may help adults shed off unwanted fat, it may also promote malfunction of the heart and the nervous system, and diabetes.

Plan A I.Introduction II.Body A.Pro-Argument 1 (weakest) B. Pro-Argument 2 C. Pro- argument 3 (strongest) D. Counter-Argument(s) + Refutation(s) III. Implications IV. Conclusion

Plan B I.Introduction II.Body A.Counter-Argument(s) + Refutation(s) B.Pro-Argument 1 (weakest) C.Pro-Agument 2 D.Pro- argument 3 (strongest) III.Implications IV. Conclusion

Plan C I.Introduction II.Body A.Counter-Argument 1 + Pro-argument 1 as refutation (weakest) B.Counter-Argument 2 + Pro-argument 2 as refutation C.Counter-Argument 3 + Pro-argument 3 as refutation (strongest) III.Implications IV. Conclusion

Tentative title TS: ____________________________ ____________________________ I.Introduction (For now, you can leave this blank.)

II.Body A.__________ Per argument/ major idea: Possible sources: Surname (year) + source type or “First few words of the title” (year) + source type (e.g. book) B. __________ 1._______________ 2._______________ III.Implications IV.Conclusion As much as possible, supply level-3 details. Levels 2 & 3 are in sentences. leave these blank for now