Writing Workshop ©Suzanne Ryan 1

Welcome back to English Composition 2

Review of Last Class Points of ViewPoints of View –Writing in 3 rd Person Pronoun casePronoun case Pronoun shiftPronoun shift ©Suzanne Ryan 3

4 Agenda Pronouns: agreementPronouns: agreement Pronouns: referencePronouns: reference Thesis statementsThesis statements

Pronoun Agreement ©Suzanne Ryan 5

Pronoun Reference ©Suzanne Ryan 6

Thesis Statements

What is a thesis statement? A thesis statement is the main idea of an essay. It is often a point you want to argue or support in an essay. SO The thesis statement explains to a reader the main idea of the essay, and the writer’s opinion on that idea.

A thesis statement is usually one sentence. It is often placed in the introductory paragraph of an essay. A thesis statement is a claim that could be argued. The essay will contain evidence and opinions that support the argument.

Thesis statements avoid the following: the first person (I believe, In my opinion, etc.) unclear language (It seems, etc.) attempting two topics at once (even if they seem related). Pick one and stick with it. just stating a fact - A thesis is something you plan to make an argument about.

A thesis statement should contain a topic (main idea of what you are writing about) contain an opinion about the topic (what your attitude is toward the topic)

A thesis statement should not be too broad. Too Broad The world is a magnificent place to live. Better The many, excellent job opportunities make Houston, Tx an attractive place to live.

Which sentence is too broad to be a good thesis statement? A.One reason to live in Texas is access to many wonderful places to fish. B.Texas is a great place to live.

Too Broad Houston, TX is a great place to live.

A thesis statement should not be too wordy. Wordy Some problems with the doggie day care are that it needs a larger playground, an air conditioned kennel, a separate waiting room for small and large dogs, a restroom for employees and guests, running water in the grooming area, and a number of other physical changes to the building. Better The doggie day care needs several changes to its facility to make it a better boarding facility.

Which sentence is too wordy to be a good thesis statement? A. Abe Lincoln was one of the best presidents the United States has ever known. B. Abe Lincoln was an excellent speaker, the 16 th President of the United States, a liberator of slaves, and united the North and South at the end of the American Civil War.

Too Wordy Abe Lincoln was an excellent speaker, the 16 th President of the United States, a liberator of slaves, and united the North and South at the end of the American Civil War.

A thesis statement should not be too general. Too general Vet Tech Institute is a good school. Better Vet Tech Institute offers daily writing practice that has led to improved writing skills for the students.

Which sentence is too general to be a good thesis statement? A. Dogs make people happy. B. Therapy dogs are useful for relieving stress and depression so people become happier.

Too general Dogs makes people happy.

A thesis statement should not be a title. A title Cost of Living Better The cost of living in Houston, TX is lower than in most other cities in the United States.

Which sentence would not be a good thesis statement because it is a title? A. Improved study skills have led to an increase in top scores at Vet Tech Institute. B. Rising Scores at Vet Tech Institute

A Title Rising Scores at Vet Tech Institute

A thesis statement should not be a a fact. A fact The average temperature for Houston in winter is 45 degrees and in summer is 95 degrees. Better The climate in Houston is ideal for year-round sports.

Which sentence would not be a good thesis statement because it is a fact? A. Recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to run a TV for three hours. B. Recycling is one of the most important jobs a person can do to protect the environment.

A Fact Recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to run a TV for three hours.

More Practice

Directions: 1) Find the opinion words in the statement. If there are no opinion words, it is not a thesis statement. 2) Tell if the statement is a good thesis statement. Although most people believe otherwise, bats are harmless and highly beneficial.

Directions: 1) Find the opinion words in the statement. If there are no opinion words, it is not a thesis statement. 2) Tell if the statement is a good thesis statement. In this essay, I will discuss the overpopulation crisis for pets in Houston, TX.

Directions: 1) Find the opinion words in the statement. If there are no opinion words, it is not a thesis statement. 2) Tell if the statement is a good thesis statement. Playing with a dog is a good way to help relieve stress.

Directions: 1) Find the opinion words in the statement. If there are no opinion words, it is not a thesis statement. 2) Tell if the statement is a good thesis statement. Dogs and cats differ in many ways.

Directions: 1) Find the opinion words in the statement. If there are no opinion words, it is not a thesis statement. 2) Tell if the statement is a good thesis statement. This paper will consider the advantages and disadvantages of students having nightly homework.

Directions: 1) Find the opinion words in the statement. If there are no opinion words, it is not a thesis statement. 2) Tell if the statement is a good thesis statement. Hate speech should be eliminated for many reasons.

In each of the following slides tell whether the sentence is a good or bad thesis statement.

Good or Bad 1.Many people do not like to watch violent horror movies. 2.Today’s movies do not have the emotional impact of the classic horror movies of the 1940’s.

Good or Bad 3.Rap music is the best music ever. 4.Although many people find rap music offensive, it has had a positive impact on today’s youth.

Good or Bad 5.I enjoy white water rafting. 6.The first white water rafting trip can challenge a person both in body and spirit.

Good or Bad 7.Vet Tech students are busy. 8.The typical Vet Tech student handles a more challenging schedule than other college students do.

Good or Bad 9.Community service projects include building shelter for the homeless, servicing meals to the hungry, providing transportation for the sick, distributing clothes, and a large number of other helpful activities. 10.People should help others who are less fortunate.

40 Wrap-up Pronoun AgreementPronoun Agreement Pronoun ReferencePronoun Reference

Questions? ©Suzanne Ryan 41

Assignments Decide on your term paper topic related to the WARLDecide on your term paper topic related to the WARL ©Suzanne Ryan 42

Thank you for participating! See you next time! ©Suzanne Ryan 43