Reflect Adequate Detail Without M2 Assignment 1 D
For the course project, you will write a five-paragraph
essay on your chosen topic presenting an informed, cohesive position.
Your first task is to write a thesis statement.
The thesis statement is the guiding light of your essay.
It states the position the essay will take on a particular, specific
topic. It implies the main points you will talk about throughout your
essay without going into detail. When a teacher or fellow student reads
only your thesis statement, he or she will know the subject and what you
will say about the subject.
For example, if you were writing a paper on education
reform, your thesis statement might say, “Education reform is moving too
slowly in America right now because there is not enough funding for our
educational system.” This thesis statement gives your position and
shows a direction for your argument. It leads the reader to believe you
might talk about how much teachers are paid, how money is used in
education, and how it might be used more effectively.
In contrast, a thesis statement on education reform that
says, “Education reform needs to happen more often” is not a good
thesis statement. The reader does not know what kind of reform the
writer is talking about or how it might happen. The paper has a
position, but no direction.
In your initial discussion posting, post your thesis statement. Your thesis statement should:
- State your position on your topic.
- Describe the “why” of your argument.
Write your thesis statement in one sentence. Keep in
mind that you need to construct your sentence to reflect adequate
detail without being a run-on or comma splice. Use proper punctuation.
In your response postings, write at least three sentences to
tell your fellow students what you think their paper might say after
reading their thesis. You might include what you think their body
paragraphs will address or what kinds of examples they might provide. In
addition, include at least one question you have for them. You must respond to at least two of your fellow students in this way.
When commenting on your peers’ responses, be
constructive. Questions such as “The first part of the thesis is clear,
but could you reword the second part to make it clearer?” “Can you
explain your argument a little more?” and “Why have you chosen this
topic?” are helpful. Comments that disagree, such as “I think you are
wrong,” and comments that are overly harsh, such as “Your writing is
aimless,” are not helpful.