Unit 5: Turning a Topic into a Thesis

Welcome to Effective Writing 1- CM 107

Feel free to chat and get acquainted until seminar starts. This session is held 10:00-11:00 PM (EST). Once the seminar starts, please keep all comments relevant to the class topic.

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?

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 are some modes or methods a writer/speaker could use to explain something?

What is a thesis statement? The thesis statement is a statement of

your topic and a comment about it.

It is your “what’s 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.

Can be one sentence at the end of an introductory paragraph, or 2-3 sentences within the introductory paragraph.

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….

In an expository paper, you are explaining something to your audience. An expository thesis statement will tell your audience:

• what you are going to explain to them • the categories you are using to

organize your explanation • the order in which you will be

presenting your categories

Example:

Barn Owls are widespread and common in the United states. The lifestyles of barn owls include hunting for insects and animals, building nests, and raising their young.

A reader who encountered that thesis would expect the paper to explain how barn owls hunt for insects, build nests, and raise young.

Questions to ask yourself when writing an expository thesis statement:

• What am I trying to explain?• How can I categorize my explanation into

different parts?• In what order should I present the

different parts of my explanation

There are many ways to look at society today. This is cliched, and not specific.

In my opinion, too many people are trying to steal from the government. Avoid the use of personal pronouns. Also, this

is not specific enough. Who? Steal what? Which part of the govt?

What’s with our public schools? Identify the thesis of this article.

http://www.csmonitor.com/Commentary/Opinion/2010/0929/Waiting-for-Superman-to-reform-education-He-s-already-here

Thank you for a great Thank you for a great seminar!seminar!

Have a wonderful week!Have a wonderful week!

MikeMike