ESL 221 September 23, 2009

In-Class Reading In Handbook, Read pp (start at the bottom of p. 23 with “Developing a working thesis” In Handbook, Read pp (start at the bottom of p. 23 with “Developing a working thesis” When you finish reading, complete any two of the examples at the bottom of p. 26 (e.g. 1 & 4, 2 & 5, 3 & 4, etc.) When you finish reading, complete any two of the examples at the bottom of p. 26 (e.g. 1 & 4, 2 & 5, 3 & 4, etc.)

Research Questions When preparing to write an essay, a research question can help to guide your preparation When preparing to write an essay, a research question can help to guide your preparation A research question helps to remind you of the kind of information you hope to include in your essay A research question helps to remind you of the kind of information you hope to include in your essay

Sample Research Questions What is wrong with the current American healthcare system? What is wrong with the current American healthcare system? What are some of the problems that international students face while studying in America? What are some of the problems that international students face while studying in America? Do you think that international students should be allowed to have American Driver’s Licenses? Why or why not? Do you think that international students should be allowed to have American Driver’s Licenses? Why or why not?

Going from Research Question to Thesis Statement The thesis statement is a detailed yet concise answer to the research question The thesis statement is a detailed yet concise answer to the research question It includes a main idea, but also includes several supporting ideas (called sub- topics) that will be further addressed in the body of the paper It includes a main idea, but also includes several supporting ideas (called sub- topics) that will be further addressed in the body of the paper Typically one sentence, can be two sentences in some cases Typically one sentence, can be two sentences in some cases

Identify the Sub-Topics Research Question: What are some of the problems that international students face while studying in America? Research Question: What are some of the problems that international students face while studying in America? Thesis Statement: While studying in America, international students must overcome a language barrier, spend time away from their families, and learn to do everything in a new and different culture. Thesis Statement: While studying in America, international students must overcome a language barrier, spend time away from their families, and learn to do everything in a new and different culture.

Identify the Sub-Topics Research Question: What are some of the problems that international students face while studying in America? Research Question: What are some of the problems that international students face while studying in America? Thesis Statement: While studying in America, international students must overcome a language barrier, spend time away from their families, and learn to do everything in a new and different culture. Thesis Statement: While studying in America, international students must overcome a language barrier, spend time away from their families, and learn to do everything in a new and different culture.

Activity Working with a partner, write a thesis statement that answers the following research question: What are the benefits of studying abroad?

Three Types of Thesis Statements Informing – writing to transmit knowledge Informing – writing to transmit knowledge Interpreting – writing to produce understanding Interpreting – writing to produce understanding Arguing – writing to assert matters of public debate Arguing – writing to assert matters of public debate Three basic types of essays: Informative, Interpretive and Argumentative Three basic types of essays: Informative, Interpretive and Argumentative

What type of essay is appropriate? For each essay prompt below, determine the type of thesis statement that would be most appropriate (informative, interpretive or argumentative): Should international students be allowed to obtain American driver’s licenses? Should international students be allowed to obtain American driver’s licenses? Write an essay discussing American values as they are represented in the movie Gone with the Wind Write an essay discussing American values as they are represented in the movie Gone with the Wind Write an essay about daily life in your home country Write an essay about daily life in your home country Do you think the American healthcare system needs to be changed? Why or why not? Do you think the American healthcare system needs to be changed? Why or why not?

Topic Sentences Topic Sentences are drawn from the sub- topics found in the thesis statement Topic Sentences are drawn from the sub- topics found in the thesis statement Each sub-topic in the thesis statement becomes the main idea for a paragraph in the body of the essay Each sub-topic in the thesis statement becomes the main idea for a paragraph in the body of the essay

Writing Topic Sentences Thesis Statement: The negative outcomes of drinking alcohol include, but are not limited to: poor performance in school, an increase of risky behaviors, and alcoholism. One of the negative outcomes of drinking is poorer performance in the classroom. One of the negative outcomes of drinking is poorer performance in the classroom. Another potentially negative outcome of drinking is an increased likelihood to participate in risky behavior. Another potentially negative outcome of drinking is an increased likelihood to participate in risky behavior. A final and most serious outcome of drinking is the development of alcoholism, or an addiction to alcohol. A final and most serious outcome of drinking is the development of alcoholism, or an addiction to alcohol.

Activity/Homework Complete the handout given in class (due Monday) Complete the handout given in class (due Monday) You may work with a partner while in class You may work with a partner while in class Read pp in Sourcework, then complete Activity 2 on p. 59. Please write or type your answers on a separate sheet of paper so that you may turn them in. Read pp in Sourcework, then complete Activity 2 on p. 59. Please write or type your answers on a separate sheet of paper so that you may turn them in.