Thesis Exercise
EXERCISE
1 :
Write T next to each thesis statement below.
Write NT if there is no thesis statement.
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1.
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I want to tell you about the many defects in the administration's
proposals for restructuring the Social Security program. T
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2.
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Al Capone, the Chicago gang leader, was nicknamed
"Scarface." NT
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3.
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Justice delayed is justice denied. NT
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4.
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My thesis asks whether affirmative action programs are just a new
form of racism. NT
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5.
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It's not only poor people who get government handouts. NT
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6.
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How to Grow Prize-Winning Roses. NT
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7.
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This paper will examine recent proposals to reinstate the death
penalty. TS
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8.
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My husband is a terrible cook. NT
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9.
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My husband cooks all the meals for our family. TS
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10.
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Christmas shopping shows that the law of the jungle is still with us.
TS
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EXERCISE
2 :
Write G next to each sentence if it is a good thesis statement, and NG
if it is not good.
1.
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The history of the United States is dominated by lust for money. NG
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2.
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Common sense is sometimes the enemy of genius. NG
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3.
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British and American poets through the centuries have vastly
overrated the glories of romantic love. G
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4.
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Thirst is harder to endure than hunger. NG
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5.
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Exercise is a worthwhile activity. NG
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6.
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Jogging can add years to one's life. NG
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7.
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Teaching tricks to a dog is easier than most people think. G
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8.
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The way people shake hands can reveal something about their
characters. G
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9.
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Natural beauty must be preserved, but government agencies often make
foolish decisions on this matter, and jobs must also be preserved. G
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10.
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In Moby Dick, Melville does a very good job. NG
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EXERCISE 3 : Rewrite each of the “not good” thesis
statements from Exercise 2, making them more specific, more unified, or more
restricted
1-
There is a lot of history in the United
States, but money is one of the biggest historical elements we have.
2-
Common sense, is just something
you should already know, not have to be told it, but it can be the enemy to
some people.
3-
4- To be thirsty, it harder than
to be hungry because you can go longer without food, than water.
4-
5- Exercise is outstanding and
helps many people because it realizes stress, gets you fit, and can be fun.
5-
6- Jogging can add many years to
someone’s life because you are being active by running.
6-
10- Moby Dick, a very popular
story, the author does an outstanding job with his writing and details.
Lacey --
ReplyDeleteOverall, this is pretty well done. A few of your thesis statements at the end are a bit to vague or broad, however (e.g. "There is a lot of history in the United States, but money is one of the biggest historical elements we have"). Remember, good thesis statements are restricted and specific.
Thanks,
Nick