Before bell turn in AOW #3
Public v. Private article
To Your class tray!
Library Day
Warm Up

Thinking about your topic what are some sub-topics you can
identify to research today for your graduation paper? Identify at
least three to share!

Example my topic is Ebola

One subtopic may be the recent epidemic or history of the disease

Second subtopic may be causes and symptoms and causes of the
epidemic

Third subtopic may be research and findings on the disease treatment

Fourth subtopic may be current medical treatments and testing options
Thesis practice

Determine first what kind of paper you are writing:

An expository (explanatory) paper explains something to
the audience.

An argumentative paper makes a claim about a topic and
justifies this claim with specific evidence. The claim could
be an opinion, a policy proposal, an evaluation, a causeand-effect statement, or an interpretation. The goal of the
argumentative paper is to convince the audience that the
claim is true based on the evidence provided.
Expository vs.
argumentative

Which should you write?

Do you want to just explore your topic and teach somebody
about it.

Then you choose expository.

So for example if you choose as your topic the spread of
Ebola in the world today.

Your expository essay would define the disease, would show
the history of the disease, the effects of the disease and
possible treatments.

NO OPINIONS.
Expository vs.
argumentative

Do you want to offer an effective solution to a known problem?

Then you are writing an argumentative paper.

Your paper will still define the disease and talk briefly about its history and
treatment.

But educating yoru audience will not be its focus.

Your focus is to persuade your audience to believe your claim.

You know what argumentation looks like because we’ve done it.

BUT, you cannot just offer up your opinions.

The research you do is your evidence.
Expository thesis

Example of an expository (explanatory) thesis statement:

The Ebola virus is characterized by widespread effects on a population, the
contagious nature of the disease and its deadly effects which thus far are defying
treatments.

The paper that follows should:

Explain how the disease effects a population, how it is contracted by a patient and
how it is treated by the medical community.

NOTE: this “three-part” thesis is easy to follow and gives clarity to your paper. I
strongly encourage you to follow this formula.

What question would that thesis start with? (This is your essential question that you
are answering.)

What are the characteristics Ebola virus?

So, what is your topic? I will give you a question that you will turn into a thesis.
Argumentative thesis

Example of an argumentative thesis statement:

Due to the virulent nature of the Ebola virus, the medical should aggressively
treat with non-FDA approved drugs will aid in stopping the disease and
preventing future outbreaks.

NOTE: This is not your opinion. This is supported by research. It doesn’t say,
after all, IMO.

The paper that follows should:

Present an argument and give evidence to support the claim that the medical
community should use non-FDA approved drugs to stop the spread..

What question would that thesis start with?

Should the methods the medical community use be more aggressive in treating
Ebola?
Library day

Use today to add clarity and focus to your thesis statement.

You should decide what kind of paper you’re writing.

Move from you general topic to the specific issues you will discuss in your
paper.

Your goal: find an example of a works cited page (may I recommend you use
Purdue OWL to find this information?). Follow its format when creating your
working bib (due next week).

Note cards?

On your note cards, write the name of your source and URL if applicable.

Briefly summarize what the source contained.

So you will 10-15 note cards.
Last things

Easy bib:

Let’s look at this together

http://www.easybib.com/

Due Thursday 9/25 with your paper checklist:

You should have a working bib (MLA format) with 10-15 sources.

10-15 note cards.

You might note use all those sources in your final paper.

You must have URL on working bib.