Unit 5 Seminar Turning a Topic into a Thesis

Use strategies to overcome writing obstacles. Evaluate point of view. Apply real-life techniques to writing. General Information: Course Outcomes

Writing effectively is habitual. Purposeful writing can improve writing effectiveness. How are you going to get there? Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Original Author Not Known

What specific changes have you made/do you plan to make?

Expository writing – working toward the Unit 9 Final Essay Expository refers to writing that explains and clarifies an idea. You come across examples of expository writing every day: oMagazine articles oNewspaper articles o s and memos oInstruction manuals

What is expository writing? Academic assignments and essays often fall under the category of expository writing. Hallmarks of expository writing: oPrecisely-worded oFocused around a central idea oLogically sound (uses adequate support)

1. Relatively little use of first person and second person 2. No slang 3. No contractions 4. Other Expectations? What is expected in Academic Writing (writing for your courses)?

Thesis Statements: The foundation of an expository essay. What is a thesis statement not? What is a thesis statement?

What is a thesis? It is your “what is the point?” What do you want your readers to know. The main idea you are trying to get across. Your message. The point you want to make.

The thesis statement is Generally stated in a single sentence. Twenty-five words or less. Expresses an point of view, not a topic. Educated opinion. Limits the topic. Answers: “how?” or “why?” Indicates the kind of support to follow. Helps to organize the supporting material Is precisely worded. It does NOT announce by saying: I am going to tell you about….or My essay will explain ….

Remember: Do not talk about the paper. Do not talk to the reader. Talk about the topic.

Use strategies to overcome writing obstacles. Evaluate point of view. Apply real-life techniques to writing. General Information: Course Outcomes

The topic is a social problem. It may be easiest to use the same topic that you used for your Unit 2 DB and/or Unit 3 Assignment. You will have two characters. One character is part of the problem; the other is part of the solution. This is creative writing (an exception to several rules). First, second, and third person are allowed. The purpose of this assignment is to help you prepare for the Unit 9 assignment – an expository essay. Previewing the Unit 6 Assignment: Creative Script

Thank You ANY QUESTIONS?