1. Unit 5: Turning a Topic into a Thesis Welcome to Seminar!  We will begin at 10:00 PM ET. Please feel free to chat until then. Once the seminar starts, please keep all comments relevant to the class topic.

2. What is expository writing? Expository refers to writing that explains and clarifies an idea. You come across examples of expository writing every day:  Magazine articles  Newspaper articles  Emails and memos  Instruction manuals How do we use exposition in our daily lives?

3. Academic assignments and essays often fall under the category of expository writing. Hallmarks of expository writing:  Precisely-worded  Focused around a central idea  Logically sound (uses adequate support) What is expository writing?(cont.)

4. What is a thesis Statement? The thesis statement is a statement of your topic and a comment about it.

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

6. The thesis statement is Generally stated in a single sentence. Expresses a point of view, not a topic. Limits the topic. 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 ….

7. And, now all together... Let’s define the thesis of this article. http://www.csmonitor.com/Commentary/ Opinion/2010/0929/Waiting-for- Superman-to-reform-education-He-s- already-here http://www.csmonitor.com/Commentary/ Opinion/2010/0929/Waiting-for- Superman-to-reform-education-He-s- already-here

8. The film suggests that only a “superman” can bring about public-school change. Well, that superman has already arrived – not as a red-caped superhero, but as a set of irresistible forces that is driving education reform as never before: 1) a growing understanding of what works, 2) increasing public pressure, and 3), the necessity for making hard choices in the face of fiscal crisis. “superman”

9. Who would like to post a sample thesis statement for us to discuss?

14. A little APA review as time allows…

15. Thank you for a great seminar!