Organization - Thesis and Topic Sentences
We've learned that the thesis and topic sentences play a key role in the development of a paper. The thesis and topic sentences outline what the paper will be about - one could read just the thesis and topic sentences and still get a general idea of what the paper will be about. In fact, a good topic sentence is basically a mini-thesis.
What Makes a Good Thesis
revealing the main point of your essay. state your subjects and ARGUMENT, and explanation of your argument in the statement.
Examples: In Marissa's paper, "Who's to Blame for Obsity", her thesis was "I believe that effective advertising plays a large role in the food choices that Americans make". It was simple but provides the key argument that she is making - that advertising is responsible for obesity.
In Jeff's paper, "The Greatest Technological Influence", his thesis was "What's so special about the internet is the way it has connected us all, and that's an influence you cannot overlook". This thesis gives two arguments that will be proven - the fact that the internet has connected everyone and that it's an important influence on society.
What Makes a Good Topic Sentence
"layout major points in a concise fashion. shows audience where you are headed with the essay." These usually come at the beginning of paragraphs and lay out the main point of the argument. Topic sentences are mini-theses.
Examples: In Marissa's paper, one of her topic sentences was "Although fast food corporations are putting out the advertisements that people see, the advertising itself is what's getting consumers to crave their product." This gives the reader an idea of what her paragraph will be about - how advertising, not corporations, is responsible for the food choices that people make. It is used to argue the thesis and take out a factor that people could consider to be a reason for obesity.
In Jeff's paper, one of his topic sentences was "In looking at the influence of the internet, there is no better place to look than in the chatrooms and discussion boards." This topic sentence establishes the idea that the internet is a community and connects people from around the world, which will be explained later in his paragraph.
Other Things Learned or Improved On (to be explained later)
* MLA works cited and parenthetical references
* intros and conclusions
* content - facts, expanding our style of writing through writing about many different topics
* automatically writing the right way
* What makes a good paper compared to a bad one (insert "4.0 Paper" here)
What we have learned through our writing in this class will help us write papers in the future, such as reports and cover letters for our jobs and resumes. A professional-looking paper gives the appearance of being professional and well-prepared, which would give an employer more reason to hire us.