QUIZ #1Take out a sheet of paper.

1) What are the three pieces of information that you need to know before you start writing an essay?

2) We learned how to write thesis statements in three different ways. Name or describe 2 of them.

3) Compose a thesis statement for the following topic

Myrtle Beach

Don't start with quotes in the first sentence—regardless of what the books says!

Don't say "In this paper, I'm going to talk about . . .“

Don't start arguing your points.Don't mention the assignment.Don’t leave out your thesis statement.

Give your readers a reason to read your paper.

Grab your reader’s attention.Include your thesis statement.Keep it short.

Broad to NarrowPersonal NarrativeContrary opinions

Ease your readers into your discussion by showing how your argument fits into the larger picture.

Example:Americans see advertisements every day, and if

asked, many people would probably claim that those advertisements have little to no affect on them. However, if this were true, then businesses would be wasting the billions of dollars they collectively spend on advertizing. The truth is, whether most people realize it or not, ads do influence us, and the Folgers ad in the most recent edition of GQ magazine shows some very interesting ways the company is attempting to appeal to our emotions, our values and our desire to see facts and figures. 

Perhaps the most effective appeal in this ad is the appeal to our fears. . . .

Tell a short story that will help ease your readers into your argument.

Example:I often learn more on the subway than I do in the classes that I take at the local community college. After all, there is no better place to study society than the place where everyone in the city comes and goes. But last week, I was shown that sometimes the information in class and the gritty reality of the subway can merge. As I was glancing up at one of the ads that are smattered all over the walls of the subway cars, I realized that I couldn’t take my eyes off the Folgers ad. The more I stared at it, the more I started to realize that perhaps my English teacher is correct. Perhaps the advertising tricks of the trade do influence us more than we know. This ad, in particular, exemplifies some very interesting ways the company is attempting to appeal to our emotions, our values and our desire to see facts and figures.

Perhaps the most effective appeal in this ad is the appeal to our fears. . . .

Show how your argument fits into the larger conversation.Example:

Over the last ten years, there have been many people who have commented on the advertising industry. In fact, many have claimed that regardless of all hoopla, advertising really has little effect on a person’s decision making. In his essay, “The Skinny on Weight Loss Ads,” John Smith says just this when he claims that “most advertising is only occasionally effective and rarely creates an ‘I’ve got to have it now’ feeling in the minds of potential consumers” (34). Martin Jones echoes this sentiment in “Flight of the Conchords,” when he claims that a band’s advertising campaigns are never a factor in the success of a band” (2). However, the truth is, whether or not Smith and Jones recognize it, that ads do influence us. If this weren’t the case, then businesses wouldn’t place billions of dollars a year into advertising their products. In fact, it’s easy to see why advertising is so effective when you look at the Folgers ad in the most recent edition of GQ magazine. This ad shows some very interesting ways the company is attempting to appeal to our emotions, our values and our desire to see facts and figures.

How might you introduce these theses?

College should be free for everyone.

Walking is the best way to exercise.

How might you introduce these theses?

All teens should have cell phones.

Bike week is good for Myrtle Beach.

Or this?

Your thesis: Tom Hanks is the best male actor in

America.Other opinions:In “Actors in America,” John Smith says “Hanks

has no range at all and always plays the same type of character.”

In “Again,” Janice Jones claims “No one likes Hanks , and he needs to retire.”