Exploring Writing 2nd Edition by John Langan

Exercise 35

Working with a partner, write a thesis for each group of supporting statements. This activity will give you practice in writing an effective essay thesis- one that is neither too broad nor too narrow. It will also help you understand the logical relationship between a thesis and its supporting details.
1. Thesis: ________________________________________________________________________
a. My first car was a rebellious-looking one that matched the way I felt and acted as a teenager.
b. My next car reflected my more mature and practical adult self.
c. My latest car seems to tell me that I'm aging; it shows my growing concern with comfort and safety.
2. Thesis:_____________________________________________________________________
a. All the course credits that are accumulated can be transferred to a four-year school.
b. Going to a two-year college can save a great deal of money in tuition and other fees.
c. If the college is nearby, there are also significant savings in everyday living expenses.
3. Thesis:_____________________________________________________________________
a. First, I tried simply avoiding the snacks aisle of the supermarket.
b. Then I started limiting myself to only one serving of any given snack.
c. Finally, in desperation, I began keeping the bags of snacks in a padlocked cupboard.
4. Thesis:_____________________________________________________________________
a. The holiday can be very frightening for little children.
b. Children can be struck by cars while wearing vision-obstructing masks and dark costumes.
c. There are always incidents involving deadly treats: fruits, cookies, and candies that contain razor blades or even poison.
5. Thesis:_____________________________________________________________________
a. First of all, I was a typical "type A" personality: anxious, impatient, and hard-driving.
b. I also had a family history of relatives with heart trouble.
c. My unhealthy lifestyle, though, was probably the major factor.