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Topic sentences vs Thesis statements (Topic sentences (characteristics…
Topic sentences vs Thesis statements
Topic sentences
characteristics
declares the topic of a paragraph
must be narrow
cant be too specific
may or may not be an argument
usually at the beginning of paragraph
examples 1
Eugene's hot temper causes problems at work
good
narrow
someone named eugene
discuss his hot temper was a problem
problems at work
This paragraph will discuss my two closest friends
bad
no need to show that 'this paragraph will tell X'
too broad
discuss what?
positive characteristics?
things irritate you about them?
etc
examples 2
Child abuse is something to think about
bad
broad and vague
what is it we are supposed to think about?
Learning a foreign language has several benefits
good
narrow
it will list benefits
about foreign language
Thesis statements
characteristics
declares the argument of the essay
single sentence
found in introduction
must be specific to the essay
previews the organization of the essay
example 1
drug use is detrimental to society
weak thesis
what kind of drug use?
hard street drugs?
marijuana?
cocaine
heroin?
precription drug use?
Illegal drug use is detrimental because it encourages gang violence
strong thesis
reader knows what to expect
illegal drugs
encourage gang violence
example 2
Pollution is bad for the environment
weak thesis
what kind of pollution?
air?
noise?
water?
etc
because a large portion of air pollution comes from automobiles, America's anti-pollution efforts should focus on privately owned cars.
strong thesis
reader knows what to expect
what portion of air pollution comes from automobiles
America's anti-pollution efforts in the present and what might happen in the future if they are focused on privately owned cars